86 food establishments in UP allowed to resume operations after improving standards under 'Shuddh Hi Shubh Hai' campaign

Department to ensure the quality, purity and safe availability of food products across the state has begun yielding positive results.

Under the campaign, action was taken against establishments found to be seriously violating food safety standards. At the same time, businesses that addressed deficiencies related to food safety and quality were given an opportunity to resume operations.

Of the 112 food establishments whose licences had been suspended, the licences of 86 have been restored after they rectified the deficiencies and departmental verification confirmed compliance with the prescribed standards. This demonstrates that the department's objective is not limited to punitive action but also includes encouraging food business operators to adhere to established norms.

Since the launch of the campaign on September 17, a total of 3,035 inspections have been conducted across the state up to November 5. Licences of 112 food establishments were suspended, while 1,752 Improvement Notices were issued in cases where deficiencies could be rectified.

Following compliance with departmental directions, the suspensions imposed on 86 establishments were revoked, allowing them to resume business. The campaign, therefore, places equal emphasis on corrective measures and regulatory compliance alongside enforcement action.

During the campaign, food business operators were directed to comply with prescribed food safety standards throughout the processes of manufacturing, storage and sale.

Particular emphasis was placed on maintaining cleanliness at establishments, ensuring the safe storage of food products, using quality raw materials, maintaining hygiene during production, and using only permissible food ingredients and additives in prescribed quantities. Operators were encouraged to identify shortcomings in their practices, rectify them and ensure that safe food products reach consumers.

In Lucknow, establishments such as Bikanervala, Champaran, Moti Mahal Deluxe, Club Jalwa and Rebel Foods undertook the necessary improvements and obtained permission to resume operations. The objective of the initiative is to bring food businesses in line with regulatory requirements and develop a work culture in which quality and hygiene become integral to business operations.

The restoration of licences to 86 establishments demonstrates how departmental intervention has encouraged food business operators to improve their practices and comply with prescribed standards.

According to Dr. Roshan Jacob, Secretary and Commissioner of the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department, the objective of the 'Shuddh Hi Shubh Hai' campaign is neither to harass food business operators nor to shut down their businesses. Rather, the department wants everyone associated with the food business in the state to comply with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act and the prescribed standards.

She said the restoration of licences to 86 establishments after rectification of deficiencies was a positive outcome of the campaign. These establishments made the necessary improvements in their operations and were allowed to resume business after departmental testing and verification confirmed their compliance with the prescribed standards.

She clarified that the department believes in providing opportunities for improvement but would show no leniency towards those deliberately adulterating food products, using prohibited chemicals or compromising public health. In such serious cases, three FIRs have been registered during the campaign.

The campaign has been extended to almost all major sectors connected with consumers' daily lives and the food supply chain. These include fast-food chains, restaurants, food courts, establishments manufacturing and selling health supplements and nutraceuticals, catering units serving railways and airlines, flight kitchens, base kitchens, warehouses, and canteens and eateries in government hospitals and medical colleges.

Establishments involved in the manufacture and sale of milk and dairy products, paneer, khoya, sweets, fruits and other seasonal food items have also been brought under the campaign. Dark stores, warehouses and distribution centres associated with online food delivery services are also being monitored.

In view of festivals such as Deepawali, special attention has been given to sweet manufacturing units, retail outlets and temporary sweet-making establishments to ensure that consumers have access to safe and quality food products during the festive season.

In view of Deepawali and other festivals, Commissioner Dr. Roshan Jacob has directed that regular enforcement action be deferred until November 15, providing relief to food business operators. Necessary guidelines have also been issued in this regard. However, the 'Shuddh Hi Shubh Hai' campaign will continue during this period. The department will focus on educating food business operators about prescribed standards, encouraging improvements in their practices and raising awareness about food safety.

To educate food business operators and consumers, the department is regularly issuing advisories, guidelines and awareness material through print and social media platforms. Food business operators are being informed about the ingredients used in food products, permissible food additives, their prescribed usage, maximum permissible limits, and standards relating to hygiene and storage.

Consumers, meanwhile, are being made aware of food quality, safe consumption practices and necessary precautions while purchasing food products. The initiative also seeks to encourage greater consumer participation in ensuring food safety.

According to the department, a safe food system cannot be ensured through government action alone. It requires the shared responsibility and active participation of the administration, food business operators and consumers.