Market inspection in Durbuk: Six traders fined ₹15,500, expired food items seized

DURBUK: The Sub-Divisional Administration of Durbuk has stepped up enforcement of food safety and consumer protection norms, recovering ₹15,500 in fines from six shopkeepers and restaurant owners and seizing expired and substandard food items during an extensive market inspection on Tuesday.

The inspection was conducted by a joint team led by Sub-Divisional Magistrate Durbuk, along with the Tehsil Supply Officer and local police personnel. The team inspected grocery stores, general merchant establishments and restaurants across the subdivision.

The inspection found violations relating to market norms, non-display of rate lists and hygiene standards. Six establishments were fined a total of ₹15,500 for the violations.

The administration also enforced the ban on single-use plastics, with Shamshak Restaurant fined ₹2,000 for possessing and using prohibited plastic items.

Expired and substandard food products were seized on the spot and marked for disposal, with the administration stating that the action was aimed at preventing potential public health risks.

The SDM cautioned business owners against violating retail norms and directed them to maintain hygiene, display updated rate lists and ensure that expired food products and prohibited plastic items were not stocked or used.

The administration said regular and unannounced market inspections would continue across the subdivision to enforce consumer protection and food safety regulations.