The Delhi government’s Food Safety Department has found lapses in hygiene, cleanliness and food storage at several sweet manufacturing units across the Capital, as per a statement from Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on Tuesday.

Ahead of the festive season, the departmental teams inspected sweet manufacturers and related establishments and collected food samples from various outlets as part of enforcement and surveillance activities, according to the official statement.

According to the statement, inspections in Chandni Chowk, Narela, Okhla, Badli and Naraina revealed pest activity in storage areas, employees handling food without gloves, inadequate cleanliness and shortcomings in documentation.The teams collected samples of khoya, milk cake, and rasbhari from these areas for analysis.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the demand for sweets and other food products rises during festivals, making compliance with prescribed hygiene standards crucial.

“There will be no compromise on citizens’ health amid festive celebrations. The government is committed to ensuring that citizens have access to safe and hygienic food. Awareness, accountability and compliance with prescribed standards are essential to protecting public interest and public health,” Ms. Gupta said.

She added that all establishments engaged in the food business must take full responsibility for complying with rules on hygiene, safe storage, employee training and proper food-handling practices.