Following the Uttar Pradesh government's prohibition of the production, storage, distribution, and sale of 'Halal-certified' food products, the Food Safety and Drugs Authority (FSDA) conducted multiple raids in capital Lucknow as well as other cities on Monday and Tuesday to verify compliance with the order. Teams conducted inspections in malls, grocery stores, and wholesale markets.
Despite the raids, no retailers were found to be in violation of the new law. Nonetheless, FSDA officials have issued a warning to traders, urging them to promptly remove all banned products, as intensified raids are anticipated in the weeks ahead. The department is also encouraging residents to assist by providing information about stores selling such items.
Several raids in Lucknow and across UP
As part of the state government's recent crackdown on Halal-certified products, the FSDA team carried out inspections in Lucknow at Sahara Mall, the Reliance store in Vikas Nagar, Best Price, Spencer store in Fun Mall, Patanjali stores in Vikas Nagar, and Apna Mega Mart in Gomti Nagar.
On Tuesday, the chief food information officer of Gorakhpur led a raid at City Mall and AD Mall. Although the team conducted inspections at 7 to 8 locations throughout the city, officials reported that no Halal-certified food items were discovered.
Officials from the Food Department conducted a raid at KFC in Moradabad on Tuesday. The Food Department at the KFC located in Peel Kothi checked whether Halal-certified products were still being utilised in the popular food outlet.
In Sonbhadra, food department officials raided the Reliance Food Store in Obra. During the operation, a variety of items, including Urad Dal, Wheat Dalia, and Red Chili Powder, were seized. The team led by Food Safety Officer collected samples of the seized items for further investigation.
Halal becomes Haram in UP
The Uttar Pradesh government has officially banned the Halal certification of a range of food products, spanning dairy items, sugar, bakery products, peppermint oil, namkeen snacks, and food oil. This prohibition aligns with the regulations set forth in the 2006 Food Safety and Standards Act, requiring the scrutiny of food quality by both FSSAI and ISI. Those found in violation of these standards will face penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act. Additionally, there is a possibility that the ban might extend to encompass medicines, medical equipment, cosmetics, and various other products carrying Halal certification.
