People who fast during Navratri and festive season prefer dishes made from buckwheat flour. But last year, in Chaitra Navratri, a large number of people fell ill after eating dishes made from buckwheat flour in Doon and Haridwar and many had to be hospitalized. This incident of food poisoning proved to be a warning for the department. This time, even before the festival started, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) has deployed all the teams in alert mode.
On the instructions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Commissioner FDA Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar has issued SOP regarding this. Now buckwheat flour will be sold only in sealed packets. No trader without license and registration will be allowed to manufacture, store or sell buckwheat flour. Strict punitive action will be taken against those who violate the rules.
Phase-wise monitoring campaign
The department has started a phased monitoring campaign even before the festivals. In the first phase, wholesalers, departmental stores and retail shops will be identified and their quality, packing, storage and labelling of products will be checked. Departmental officials will hold meetings with shopkeepers to ensure compliance with the rules. In the second phase, surprise and regular inspections will be conducted before and during the start of Navratri.
Packaging and quality rules
The FDA clarified that buckwheat flour will not be sold in the open. It is mandatory to mention the packing and expiry date, complete address of the manufacturer/repacker and license number on each packet. There will be special monitoring of buckwheat flour sold in the open and it will be discouraged from the point of view of public health.