162 food samples fail quality test in Palwal; Rs 17 lakh penalty levied

Over the past two years, fines totalling Rs 17 lakh have been imposed on 81 shopkeepers and traders in Palwal for selling substandard or adulterated food items. The results from samples of sweetmeats collected during this year’s Diwali are still awaited.

The penalties have been imposed based on laboratory reports from available food samples. The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) determines the penalty scale during case review, with Rs 17 lakh imposed across approximately 162 cases. The highest fine imposed was Rs 2.5 lakh on one sweet shop, while the minimum amount was Rs 5,000. Additionally, 15 shopkeepers were fined Rs 50,000 each, and one offender faced a Rs 1 lakh penalty. Although some offenders have paid the fine, others have been issued notices for non-payment.

The cases have been pending for roughly two and a half years, with samples taken from 81 shops during routine checks, often around festival times. Test results from the state-owned laboratory in Panchkula are generally available within two to three weeks, after which cases are referred to the ADC for penalty determination, according to officials. Another 20 samples collected over the past month are still awaiting results.

“Unavailability of staff and machinery has led to a surge in sales of spurious and substandard food items,” claims Varun Sheokand, who had previously petitioned the high court regarding the sale of substandard milk products in the region. Sources report that the absence of a full-time Food Safety Officer (FSO) in the district has negatively impacted food sampling efforts. The current official holds additional charge for three other districts: Jhajjar, Rewari, and Mahendragarh. In Faridabad, the FSO post is also covered on an additional basis by an officer based in Sonepat.

“Samples are collected regularly, and fines are imposed on those failing the tests,” confirms Dr Rajesh Verma, who is overseeing the FSO responsibilities in Palwal.