Two shops in Sikkim’s Singtam Bazar, Baba Sweets and a fast food and sweet shop run by Umesh Prasad, have been temporarily shut down for violating hygiene and manufacturing regulations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The move was initiated after a surprise inspection by the Food Safety Officer of Gangtok, which revealed grave non-compliance with Schedule 4 Guidelines that mandate good manufacturing and hygiene practices.
According to sources, the Health & Family Welfare Department of Sikkim has issued a prohibition order, effectively halting the production and sale of sweets and prepared food items at both establishments until further notice. The affected shop owners, Shiwratri Giri and Umesh Prasad, have been issued notices by the Food Safety & Standards Cell, warning of severe consequences if they fail to comply with the regulations.
The sudden action was taken to prevent potential health risks and ensure public safety, a pressing concern shared by the designated officer of the Food Safety & Standards Cell. “Food business operators must adhere to safety norms to avoid reckless operations that compromise public health,” the officer stressed, adding, “We will continue to conduct regular inspections to maintain a high level of food safety standards across the state.”
The Health Department’s efforts are part of a broader initiative to safeguard public health and hygiene standards. The Food Safety Officer of Gangtok confirmed that similar inspections will be conducted in other markets to ensure compliance with the regulations. The department’s message to food vendors is clear: “Stricter enforcement of regulatory measures is necessary to protect consumers from substandard and potentially hazardous food products.”
As Sikkim’s authorities work to reclaim the state’s reputation for maintaining high food safety standards, it becomes increasingly crucial for food establishments to prioritize compliance. With the current wave of concerns surrounding food safety, the recent developments in Singtam Bazar serve as a timely reminder that vigilance is essential to ensure the well-being of the community.
In an era of heightened awareness, food safety has taken center stage, and it is critical that responsible entities, including the Health & Family Welfare Department and the Food Safety & Standards Cell, continue to monitor and enforce regulations, safeguarding the well-being of Sikkim’s citizens.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/sikkim/story/two-shops-in-sikkims-singtam-bazar-get-temporary-ban-for-hygiene-violation-1184418-2025-03-16?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-03-16 08:27:00
