Shimla Cracks Down on Unlabeled Food to Protect Children’s Health
In a move to safeguard children from unsafe food, the Shimla district administration has banned the sale of edible items without proper labels. Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap announced the decision during the ninth meeting of the District Level Advisory Committee under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Kashyap stressed that there would be no compromise when it comes to children’s health. With summer approaching, he noted that many food products were being sold in markets without quality checks, making stricter monitoring essential.
Officials have been directed to test food items for harmful chemicals used in artificial coloring and flavoring. Sampling will extend beyond urban centers into rural areas, ensuring that food safety standards are upheld across the district.
The administration has already collected samples from mid-day meals in schools around Mashobra and Ghanahatti, and will now expand testing to Rohru, Chopal, Kupvi, and Chirgaon. Awareness campaigns are also being planned to educate the public about food safety.
Hotels, dhabas, and eateries in both rural and municipal areas will face inspections, while food served at wedding ceremonies will also be tested. Kashyap further instructed officials to make the mobile food testing laboratory functional to strengthen enforcement.
The message is clear: Shimla is tightening its grip on food safety, with a strong focus on protecting children and ensuring that what reaches their plates is safe and properly regulated.
