Govt to enforce stringent law on food adulteration

The Delhi government on Wednesday decided to enforce a stringent law on food adulteration.

The Delhi government on Wednesday decided to enforce a stringent law on food adulteration.

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The Food Safety and Standards Act, for penalty on manufacturers of adulterated food items including fine of Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh to be adjudicated by an officer of the rank of sub-divisional magistrate. The sentence can extend from six months to life imprisonment, depending on the nature of the offence.

Health minister AK Walia said Food Safety and Standards Act passed by Parliament in 2006 has strict provisions to regulate food safety standards. He said that the Delhi government will enforce the legislation within next three months.
Health department officials said that although the act was passed in Parliament in 2006, the central government notified the rules for its enforcement only a few weeks ago.

Walia also said that under the Act, all traders in food business will have to register themselves with the food department or will have to procure a licence.