Health dept conducts inspections at street food joints

Ludhiana: In view of the smog, the health department is conducting inspections on street vendors to make sure norms are being followed and no harmful particles settle on food. Yogesh Goal, food safety officer said, "Air quality is deteriorating due to smog and harmful chemicals present in the air can settle on food and affect public health. Therefore, all places where cooking is done in the open were inspected. He said owners have to make sure cooking slabs are properly covered and cooked food is covered.

Samples taken will be sent for quality test, he said, adding that foot joint owners have to ensure medical is done for workers and they have registration certificate of the place. The department took samples of paneer, buns, sauce, chutneys and cooked food.

Dr Andhesh Kang, district health officer said, “It is very important to cover food and cooking slabs, especially in such weather. Last week, inspection was conducted in Jamalpur area and now on Ferozpur road.”

Cvil surgeon Dr Hardeep Singh asked residents to complain if they found substandard food anywhere. “If any one has found poor quality food they should lodge a written complaint so that we can inspect the place and take samples,” he said.