The Uttarakhand government has implemented strict regulations regarding the sale of buckwheat flour, commonly used during Navratri fasting. The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has taken decisive steps to prevent adulteration and contamination, ensuring the safety of consumers. The new rules prohibit the sale of buckwheat flour in open form and mandate that it be sold only in sealed packets with proper labeling in compliance with the Food Safety Act 2006.
Why Has the Government Imposed Restrictions?
Commissioner Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar highlighted the alarming rise in cases of food poisoning and other health issues due to adulterated buckwheat flour. Recent inspections in Dehradun, Haridwar, and Udham Singh Nagar revealed that six samples of buckwheat flour failed quality tests, prompting immediate action against adulterators.
Key Regulations for Buckwheat Flour Sellers
1. Mandatory Sealed Packaging
- Open sale of buckwheat flour is strictly prohibited.
- Flour must be sold only in sealed packets.
2. Compliance with Labeling Laws
- Every sealed pack must clearly mention:
- Date of Grinding
- Date of Packaging
- Expiry Date
- Seller’s Food License Number
3. Licensing and Record-Keeping
- No sale without a valid food license.
- Sellers must maintain records of purchase and sale transactions.
4. Regular Inspections and Legal Action
- Strict legal actions will be taken against violators under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.
- The Food Safety and Drug Testing Laboratory in Rudrapur will conduct frequent inspections.
Adulteration Scandal: Unsafe Buckwheat Flour Samples
A recent statewide inspection campaign uncovered several contaminated flour samples, which were tested and found unsafe due to the presence of mycotoxins, fungi, and insects. Here are some of the identified adulterated products:
| Location | Seller Name | Issue Found |
|---|---|---|
| Dehradun | Lakshmi Trading Co. | Presence of insects and fungi |
| Haridwar | Blink Commerce Pvt. Ltd. | Mycotoxin toxicity |
| Haridwar | Nataraj Agency, Peeth Bazaar | Unsafe contamination |
| Haridwar | Ashish Provision Store, Laksar | High toxicity levels |
| Roorkee | Shiva Store, Grain Market | Substandard quality |
| Udham Singh Nagar | Jai Maiya Kirana Store | Mycotoxin contamination |
The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has directed that cases be registered against these businesses in the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court.
Strict Warnings to Food Traders
Commissioner Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar issued a stern warning to all food traders:
- Immediate compliance with new safety regulations is mandatory.
- Selling open or unregulated buckwheat flour will lead to legal action.
- Only licensed and sealed food products are allowed for sale.
Consumer Advisory: How to Ensure Safe Buckwheat Flour?
Consumers are urged to follow these precautions while purchasing buckwheat flour: ✅ Buy only sealed pack flour with proper labeling. ✅ Check the manufacturing and expiry date before purchasing. ✅ Ensure the food license number is mentioned on the packet. ✅ Report suspicious products to the Food Safety Department.
Conclusion
The Uttarakhand government’s proactive stance on food safety aims to eliminate adulteration and protect public health. By enforcing strict licensing rules, conducting regular inspections, and holding violators accountable, authorities are ensuring that buckwheat flour remains safe for consumption, especially during Navratri fasting. Consumers are encouraged to stay vigilant, buy responsibly, and report any violations to maintain food safety standards in the state.
