Crackdown on Food Adulteration in Uttarakhand After Over 300 Fall Sick from Contaminated Buckwheat Flour
After more than 300 people in Dehradun fell sick from consuming contaminated buckwheat flour, the Dhami government has launched a major crackdown on food adulteration. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has issued strict orders, stating that those involved in food contamination will not be spared. A special investigation committee has been formed to submit a detailed report within three days. Following the incident, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been conducting aggressive raids across the state. So far, over 1,500 shops have been inspected, with two dozen receiving legal notices. Additionally, a large quantity of adulterated buckwheat flour has been seized and destroyed.
Government Takes Swift Action
Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar, Health Secretary and FDA Commissioner, stated that on CM Dhami’s orders, a joint team from the health department has been assigned to investigate the cases of hospitalized patients who consumed contaminated buckwheat flour. The committee has been directed to conduct a thorough investigation and submit its findings within three days, along with recommendations to prevent such incidents in the future. Earlier, on March 31, 2025, an initial report on the affected patients was presented to the Chief Minister. Since then, FDA teams have carried out raids in food warehouses and retail shops across all 13 districts of Uttarakhand. Over 100 food samples have been collected for testing, and more than two dozen shop owners have been served notices.
Strict Measures Against Food Adulteration
Authorities have inspected stores across the state to identify and remove contaminated buckwheat flour from the market. Commissioner Kumar emphasized that strict action will be taken against those involved in adulteration and that public awareness campaigns are being launched to educate consumers. Given the risk of contamination, large quantities of buckwheat flour have been destroyed in several districts.
Ongoing Raids and Inspections
Additional FDA Commissioner Tajbar Singh Jaggi confirmed that raids are being conducted in all 13 districts. So far, more than 1,500 shops have been inspected, numerous samples have been collected, and legal notices have been issued to over two dozen shop owners. He assured that the crackdown will continue until the issue is fully addressed.Deputy Commissioner Garhwal, R.S. Rawat, along with District Food Safety Officers, led inspections at various locations, including Racecourse, Araghar, Dharampur, Nehru Colony, Aadat Bazaar, and Hanuman Chowk. In 21 establishments, buckwheat flour was not found for sale, except for one at Goyal Atta Chakki in Rest Camp, where packaged flour was available and taken for testing. Around 100 kg of contaminated buckwheat flour was seized and destroyed at Kargi Trenching Ground. This large-scale operation highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring food safety and preventing future incidents of food adulteration. The campaign is expected to continue as authorities work to restore consumer confidence and hold those responsible accountable.
