Times News Network
The traders said they are equally concerned about adulteration and are committed to providing hygienic and quality food to consumers. Gyanesh Mishra, state president of Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal, said, “Traders are against adulteration but should not be harassed in the name of enforcing rules. Instead of taking stringent action for minor lapses, traders should be guided and given reasonable time to make improvements, he said.
The demand came in the wake of recent raids conducted by the food safety department during which several sweet manufacturing units were inspected, substandard sweets and mawa destroyed and licences of some manufacturers suspended. However, they alleged that their licences are being suspended even for minor shortcomings related to cleanliness and sanitation, causing them financial losses. Diwali is the biggest business opportunity for traders and that suspension of licences over minor sanitation and cleanliness issues during the festive season will adversely affect their business. District president Vijay Gupta Gorey demanded immediate restoration of licences suspended over cleanliness issues or other minor shortcomings. State secretary Roshan Gupta suggested that the department should organise awareness campaigns after Diwali to educate traders about food safety, hygiene and quality standards.
Kanpur: Traders, including sweet manufacturers, met the divisional assistant commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) on Tuesday and demanded suspension of raids and sample collection from sweet shops, restaurants and other food establishments till Diwali .