Enhanced Food Safety Measures During Festivals in Jaipur
In Jaipur, the Chief Secretary of the Medical and Health Department has announced stringent measures to ensure food safety during the festive season. Emphasizing the need for rigorous monitoring and immediate action against adulteration, officials are instructed to conduct risk-based inspections and prioritize the sampling of over-the-counter medications. The initiative aims to protect public health by ensuring the availability of safe and quality food. Awareness campaigns will also be launched to educate the public on identifying adulterated products and safe medication practices. This comprehensive approach seeks to enhance food safety and public trust during celebrations.
| Aug 17, 2026, 15:00 IST
Stringent Monitoring of Food Safety
Special Surveillance on Risky Food Items and Areas
Regular Sampling of Over-the-Counter Medications, Immediate Action on Substandard Drugs
Jaipur. The Chief Secretary of the Medical and Health Department, Mrs. Gayatri Rathore, emphasized the need for strict actions against adulterators to ensure the public has access to safe and quality food during the festive season. During a review meeting with officials from the Food Safety and Drug Administration, she instructed them to implement risk-based inspections, effective sampling, and timely actions to prevent food adulteration.
Mrs. Rathore highlighted the importance of closely monitoring food items that are likely to be adulterated during festivals. Food safety officers are expected to remain vigilant and take immediate action according to regulations if any adulterated or unsafe food is detected.
She also directed that after samples are collected, their testing should be completed within a stipulated time frame to avoid unnecessary delays in taking further action against the concerned individuals or establishments in case of adulteration. The primary goal of the department's efforts should be to ensure food safety for the public.
During the meeting, officials were instructed to prioritize the sampling of over-the-counter (OTC) medications available without a prescription. Regular checks will be conducted to ensure the quality of these drugs.
She stated that if any medication fails to meet the required quality standards, investigations and legal actions will be expedited without delay. Clear responsibilities will be assigned to ensure prompt actions in accordance with regulations.
Mrs. Rathore also called for regular monitoring of the entire process related to food and drug safety, including sampling, testing, accountability, legal actions, and court proceedings. Necessary documents and evidence for pending cases should be made available promptly to facilitate quick resolutions.
She emphasized the importance of raising public awareness about food and drug safety through social media. Information should be provided in simple language to help people identify adulterated and unsafe food, proper storage and usage of food items, and safe medication practices.
Additionally, the public will be encouraged to read labels when purchasing medications, pay attention to prescribed dosages and usage periods, and avoid using expired or suspicious drugs. They should also be motivated to seek advice from qualified doctors or pharmacists when necessary.
Present at the meeting were Dr. T. Shubhangala, Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Control, Additional Commissioner Mr. Bhagwat Singh, Drug Controller Mr. Ajay Pathak, and Joint Commissioner Dr. Vijay Prakash, along with other relevant officials.