E-Paper
Set up food lab, rights panel tells UT
The PSHRC has mandated an independent food testing lab in Chandigarh and ordered stricter monitoring of milk and dairy products to combat food adulteration, following reports of substandard food. This directive aims to curb the sale of tainted, harmful products, directing authorities to increase inspections on manufacturing units and enhance surveillance to protect consumer health.
The Punjab State and Chandigarh (UT) Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) has recommended establishing an independent food testing laboratory in Chandigarh and directed authorities to intensify vigilance over the quality of milk and related products sold in the city.
The commission took suo motu cognisance of a media report which highlighted alarming findings regarding the quality of milk and paneer in the Union Territory. According to the report, nearly one out of every three samples tested in Chandigarh over the past three years failed to meet quality standards. It further stated that 19 out of 36 samples tested during 2024–25 were found to be non-conforming, raising serious public health concerns.
The PSHRC also directed food safety officers to maintain continuous surveillance over wholesalers and suppliers of milk products. Authorities have been asked to increase random sampling from manufacturing units, hotels, restaurants, dhabas and sweet shops.
