Punjab’s Statewide Rollout of Mobile Food Testing Vans to Ensure Safe Consumption
Chandigarh, August 6 – In a significant public health move, the Punjab government has expanded its ‘Food Safety on Wheels’ initiative across all districts. This mobile food testing campaign, aimed at curbing adulteration in everyday consumables, has gained momentum under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh.
Launched as part of a mission to ensure food safety, the initiative deploys fully equipped mobile vans to detect adulteration in essential food items such as milk, paneer, water, spices, and more. Dr. Balbir Singh, speaking at a press conference under the slogan “If it’s not safe, it’s not food,” called on the public to use the service to test their daily staples.
“These vans are a crucial tool in our fight against food adulteration—I urge every individual to get their food tested,” said Dr. Singh at Punjab Bhawan.
Over 43,000 Samples Taken Since 2022
Since the Mann-led government took office, the state has ramped up food safety enforcement:
- 18,559 enforcement samples
- 12,178 surveillance samples
- 13,000+ samples tested through mobile vans
The primary focus remains on widely consumed items like ghee, khoa, sweets, fruits, and vegetables. According to health officials, paneer and milk are among the most frequently tested due to their high risk of adulteration.
Dr. Singh was accompanied by top health officials including Principal Secretary Kumar Rahul, FDA Commissioner Dilraj Singh, Director Labs Ravneet Kaur, and Joint Commissioner Dr. Amit Joshi. He stressed that the vans should especially target schools and colleges to raise awareness among students.
145 Convictions for Adulteration in Five Years
In a stern warning to violators, Dr. Balbir Singh revealed that 145 cases of food adulteration have resulted in convictions, with punishments including up to six months imprisonment and fines.
He directed Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials to ensure strict, transparent enforcement and full utilization of mobile testing vans. Emphasizing health through purity, Dr. Singh stated, “Only Shudh Ann (pure food) leads to Shudh Mann (pure mind) and Swasth Tann (healthy body).”
Over 3 Lakh Food Operators Registered
Punjab’s FDA has issued over 3.17 lakh licenses and registrations to food business operators (FBOs). Dr. Singh urged street food vendors and small sellers to register under the Food and Drugs Administration to maintain hygiene and accountability.
The state has also hosted:
- 500 awareness camps training over 55,000 individuals on food hygiene and safety
- 13 “Eat Right” Melas to sensitize the public
- 150 certifications for “Eat Right” campuses, mandis, and street food hubs
He called on all Punjabis to adopt the “Eat Right, Stay Healthy” philosophy and contribute to building a nutrition-secure state.
Focus on Public Health and Nutrition Education
Beyond food testing, the Minister called for greater public education on nutrition, urging the FDA to intensify outreach and advocate for informed dietary choices.
“Food safety is not just about enforcement but about awareness. We must empower people with knowledge,” he added.
The expanded Food Safety on Wheels initiative not only targets adulteration but also aims to build a culture of preventive healthcare by encouraging conscious eating habits.