Patiala residents raise concerns over sale of spurious khoya ahead of Diwali

With Diwali just around the corner, the festive rush has sweet shops bustling with activity. However, residents have raised concerns over the potential sale of spurious khoya, the milk solid used in many traditional sweets.

Social activists and residents have voiced concerns regarding the sale and seizure of adulterated khoya, particularly following reports of khoya manufactured through artificial methods being supplied from Uttar Pradesh to other states.

OP Garg, Secretary of the Patiala Consumers and Telephone Subscribers Forum, highlighted the issue, urging local authorities to take swift action.

“There are rising reports on social media about the manufacture of synthetic khoya, especially in Uttar Pradesh, which is then supplied across state lines,” he said. Garg has called on health officials to intensify inspections and ensure the safety of food items being sold in local markets.

Dr Jatinder Kansal, Civil Surgeon, confirmed that the health department has taken note of these concerns. Dr. Aditi Mittal, district health officer, currently handling dual responsibilities for Sangrur and Patiala, reassured residents, stating that routine checks are ongoing and no incidents involving spurious khoya have been reported to date.

The issue of food safety took center stage in Patiala earlier this year following the tragic death of 10-year-old Manvi, who passed away after consuming her birthday cake in March. Since then, residents have remained vigilant, calling on authorities to step up food inspections ahead of Diwali to prevent any similar incidents.

The incident took place on March 24, when the family of the victim celebrated their daughter’s birthday and ordered a cake online. The incident shocked the city and brought to the fore how unhygienic food was leading to ailment and even death of people. The incident led to a major crackdown on bakeries across the city.

Kajal, the victim’s mother, had said that five members of her family had eaten the cake. A case was registered against Kahna Bakery located on Peeli Sadak Road under Sections 273 and 304-A of the IPC on Kajal’s statement, and three persons were arrested.

Earlier in September the then Deputy Commissioner Showkat Ahmad Parray had instructed the Health Department to conduct quality checks on food items through sampling. The direction comes in the wake of a few children falling ill after allegedly consuming bakery itmes in Ragho Majra.

Authorities urged to step up inspections

• The issue of food safety took centre stage in Patiala in March this year following the tragic death of 10-year-old Manvi. She passed away after consuming her birthday cake.
• Since then, residents have remained vigilant. They have asked the authorities to step up food inspections ahead of Diwali to prevent any similar incident.