In a major preventive action ahead of Navratri, the health department in Greater Noida has seized nearly 400 kg of kuttu (buckwheat) flour during a special inspection drive across the district.
The move comes in the wake of repeated incidents where people fell ill after consuming contaminated kuttu flour during fasting periods, including recent cases reported during Shivratri.
Large Quantity Found Without Labels or Bills
According to officials, multiple violations were found during inspections at shops in Kulesra area.
At Santosh Traders:
●Around 240 kg of loose kuttu flour was found खुले में (open)
●No bill, manufacturing date, or proper labelling was available
●250 gm packets without batch number or date were also recovered
Similarly, at Muskan Traders:
●About 70 kg of loose flour was found without documentation
●Several packets lacked mandatory details like manufacturing date and batch number
Following these findings, officials seized:
●Loose flour stocks
●Hundreds of improperly labelled packets
●In total, nearly 400 kg of kuttu flour was seized.
Samples Sent for Laboratory Testing
The inspection team also collected 7 food samples from different locations and sent them for laboratory analysis to check for contamination and quality standards.
Officials said strict action will be taken if the samples fail to meet food safety norms.
Officials Stress Safety During Fasting Season
Sarvesh Mishra said the drive is part of a larger effort to ensure safe food availability during Navratri, when demand for kuttu flour increases significantly.
Authorities warned shopkeepers against selling:
●Unlabelled food products
●Expired or poorly stored items
●Products without proper documentation
Rising Concern Over Kuttu Flour Incidents
Kuttu flour, commonly consumed during fasting, has often been linked to food poisoning cases due to poor storage and contamination.
Officials said such inspection drives will continue throughout the festive season to prevent health risks.
Public Advisory Issued
Residents have been advised to:
●Purchase only packaged and labelled products
●Check manufacturing and expiry dates
●Avoid loose or unverified food items
●Report suspicious products to authorities
Strict Monitoring to Continue
The health department has made it clear that zero tolerance will be followed against food safety violations during Navratri.
Officials emphasised that ensuring safe food is a shared responsibility between authorities, vendors, and consumers.
