Author:
Sandeep Singh Raju
In-charge, Majha Zone
Punjab Media Times
Punjab is known as the food bowl of the country. Its agriculture, milk, curd, ghee, butter and traditional food products have always enjoyed a distinct identity. However, today, the growing problem of food adulteration in Punjab is becoming a major concern for the people. From milk to sweets, spices, cooking oil, paneer, curd and other food products, questions regarding quality continue to arise from time to time. The biggest concern is that it can often be extremely difficult for an ordinary consumer to distinguish between genuine and adulterated products.
Adulteration is not merely a case of cheating consumers; it is a serious issue directly linked to public health. When the quality of a food product is compromised, children, elderly people and other vulnerable sections of society can be particularly affected. Therefore, ensuring the purity of food cannot be limited to campaigns conducted only during festivals or special occasions.
During festivals in Punjab, the demand for sweets, dairy products and other food items increases significantly. The Food Safety Department conducts inspections and sampling drives during such periods. But the question remains: Is action taken only during the festive season enough? The fight against food adulteration needs to be continuous, transparent and effective.
One major reason behind the problem is also the lack of awareness among consumers. Many people purchase products simply because they are cheaper, without paying sufficient attention to packaging, labels, expiry dates and other important information. Along with the government, consumers also have a responsibility to remain alert and report suspicious or substandard food products to the concerned authorities.
On the other hand, honest traders and shopkeepers also suffer because of adulteration. Those who follow quality standards often find themselves at a disadvantage when competing with people who sell cheaper products through illegal or unfair practices. Therefore, action against adulteration should not be limited to imposing penalties. It should also aim to provide honest traders with a fair and secure business environment.
The government should strengthen the capacity of departments responsible for food safety. Adequate staff and modern testing facilities should be provided, and complaints should be addressed promptly. Merely collecting samples is not enough. If a sample is found to be substandard, effective action must follow in accordance with the law. At the same time, the investigation and enforcement process should remain transparent so that public confidence is maintained.
Awareness campaigns on food safety should also be conducted through schools, colleges and social organisations. People should be educated about basic precautions while purchasing food products, the information they need to check on packaged items and where they can file a complaint if they suspect adulteration.
Religious and social organisations, traders’ associations and the media can also play an important role in this effort. Instead of creating fear among people, information should be provided on the basis of facts and public awareness. The fight against food adulteration is a shared responsibility of both the government and society.
Punjab’s prosperity should not be measured only by agricultural production but also by the health of its people. If the food reaching our plates itself remains under suspicion, the picture of development remains incomplete. Therefore, the need of the hour is to implement a “Zero Tolerance” policy against food adulteration in a meaningful and effective manner.
Clean and safe food is the right of every citizen, and protecting this right is a shared responsibility of the government, traders and society. To make Punjab healthier and more prosperous, it is time to make the purity and safety of food an important part of the development agenda.
KL JIT WALIA
