To ensure the well-being of residents during the festival season, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has directed its health department officials to carry out a special drive. This initiative aims to verify the quality of sweets and ‘mawa’ (solidified milk) sold in shops to avoid any instances of food poisoning due to adulterated products.
Starting September 19, India enters a time of numerous celebrations, commencing with the 10-day Ganesh festival. This is followed by other significant festivals like Navratri, Dussehra, Diwali, and Christmas. The BMC stated that the special drive will continue from September 1 to December 31.
As part of this initiative, health officers and sanitary inspectors have been instructed to make visits to sweet shops and cold storages. Their responsibility is to ensure the quality of sweets and ‘mawa’ being sold, according to an official release from the civic body.
BMC also issued guidance to businesses selling sweets and milk-based products. The establishments are advised to exercise special caution during the festival season to prevent any unfortunate events related to food poisoning. “Take special care during the festival season to avoid any incidents of food poisoning,” the statement read.
Moreover, the BMC has appealed to the public to be vigilant about the sweets they consume. If the color or smell of the sweets seems off, consumers are urged not to eat them and to report such cases to the BMC.
The move comes as a proactive measure to ensure that the joyous festivities are not marred by health concerns related to food consumption. With large gatherings and communal celebrations, the risk of foodborne illnesses can spike during festival times, making quality checks crucial.
This special drive underscores the need for stringent quality control in food products, particularly during times when consumption is high. It also highlights the proactive role that municipal bodies like the BMC are taking to ensure public safety in social and cultural gatherings.
As the festive season unfolds, the BMC’s drive aims to instill a greater sense of confidence among the public about the food they consume during these times. By taking such preventive measures, the BMC hopes to contribute to safer and happier celebrations for everyone.