The Uttarakhand government informed the state Assembly that 524 out of 4,909 food samples tested over the last three financial years were found substandard, unsafe, or misbranded, highlighting ongoing concerns about food safety and adulteration in the state.
The disclosure was made during the Question Hour of the budget session in Gairsain, where the issue of food adulteration was raised by legislators. According to the data shared by Health Minister Dhan Singh Rawat, approximately 10.7% of the tested samples failed food safety standards between 2023–24 and 2025–26 (till date).
Year-Wise Food Sample Test Results
The government provided a breakdown of food testing conducted by the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA):
- 2023–24: 1,627 samples tested; 171 found substandard, unsafe, or misbranded.
- 2024–25: 1,684 samples tested; 159 failed safety standards.
- 2025–26 (till date): 1,598 samples tested; 194 found non-compliant.
Officials said that inspections of Food Business Operators (FBOs) are carried out regularly, and samples are collected whenever there is suspicion of adulteration or violation of safety standards. If a sample fails laboratory analysis, legal action is initiated in competent courts based on the food analyst’s report.
Concern Over Vacant Food Safety Officer Posts
During the Assembly discussion, BJP MLA Brij Bhushan Gairola from Doiwala raised concerns that enforcement against food adulteration is being affected due to vacant Food Safety Officer (FSO) positions in the state’s FDA department.
Responding to the concern, the health minister said that nine posts of Senior Food Safety Officer are currently vacant, and promotions are being processed according to rules. Additionally, the government has sent a requisition to the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission (UKPSC) to recruit 28 Food Safety Officers through direct recruitment.
New Food Testing Laboratory in Dehradun
To strengthen food safety monitoring, the government also announced the establishment of a Food Analysis Laboratory in Dehradun. Posts for the facility have already been created, and the testing of food samples is expected to begin by March 31.
Officials believe the new laboratory will improve testing capacity and speed up action against food adulteration cases in the state.
Rising Focus on Food Safety
The revelation that nearly one in ten food samples failed safety checks underscores the growing need for stronger surveillance, better staffing in food safety departments, and increased awareness among food businesses about compliance with safety standards.
Food safety authorities continue to emphasize strict inspections, laboratory testing, and legal action as key tools to curb adulteration and ensure safe food for consumers in Uttarakhand.
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