Panchkula DC orders action against unregistered vehicles carrying milk

Samples collected during surprise inspection near Ramgarh; sweet shops also checked ahead of festive season

Panchkula: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Satpal Sharma on Tuesday ordered laboratory testing of milk samples after complaints regarding the quality of milk being supplied from Punjab to the district.

Sharma conducted a surprise inspection near Mankya village, close to Ramgarh, where officials stopped several Punjab-registered vehicles carrying milk for supply at different locations in the district.

During the inspection, officials also stopped some motorcycles without number plates. The riders told the officials that they were carrying milk to the city after bringing it from Punjab.

Taking note of the complaints, the DC directed the District Food Safety Officer to collect milk samples and send them to a laboratory for examination.

Sharma said appropriate action would be taken against the concerned if the laboratory tests found adulteration or other quality-related deficiencies in the milk.

He also directed Regional Transport Authority officials to issue challans to vehicles operating without number plates and impound them as per the rules.

Sharma said the administration would not compromise on the quality and safety of food items supplied to residents.

“The health of citizens cannot be compromised,” he said, adding that regular inspections and sampling would continue across the district to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

Later, Sharma inspected several sweet shops in Raipur Rani and reviewed the quality of sweets, milk and milk-based products being sold there.

The DC further said demand for sweets and other food items rises during the festive season, making hygiene, safe storage and quality checks particularly important.

He said the administration had recently held a meeting with major sweet sellers in Panchkula and advised them to maintain food quality, cleanliness and prescribed hygiene standards.

Sharma directed food businesses to comply with food safety requirements and said violations would invite action under the applicable rules.