FSDA officials raid McDonald outlet in Lucknow
.In a significant move against the sale of Halal-certified products, a team from the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) conducted a raid on a prominent McDonald’s outlet in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The action is part of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s government’s recent crackdown on inauthentic Halal certifications, which has prompted investigations and fines against violators.
During the raid, FSDA officials meticulously examined various food items at McDonald’s outlet, uncovering Halal-certified products, specifically packaged wraps. This discovery has led to the initiation of an investigation against the fast-food giant. Authorities are considering imposing a hefty fine, amounting to Rs 3 lakhs, in connection with the sale of banned Halal-certified products in the state. Simultaneously, the food safety body seized all identified Halal-certified products during the operation.
This development follows the recent imposition of a comprehensive ban by the Uttar Pradesh government on the production, storage, distribution, and sale of food, medicines, and cosmetic items with Halal certification in the state. Officials assert that this ban is essential for public health and aims to eliminate confusion surrounding the authenticity of Halal-certified products.
“In the interest of public health, production, storing, distribution and sale of Halal certified edible items are banned in Uttar Pradesh with immediate effect,” declared an order from the Uttar Pradesh Food Commissioner.
The ban, however, does not extend to goods with Halal certification produced for export purposes, providing a distinction between domestic and international markets.
The government has issued stern warnings of strict actions against those who violate the ban, signalling a commitment to enforcing the prohibition rigorously.
In a parallel operation, an FSDA team conducted a raid on Lucknow’s Sahara Mall, scrutinising various products, including cold drinks, meat, and dry fruits, to ascertain their Halal certification status. The investigation revealed that as many as eight companies were found selling Halal-certified products, leading to the registration of cases against them.
The stringent actions against McDonald’s and Sahara Mall underscore the state government’s dedication to eradicating the prevalence of inauthentic Halal certifications. The crackdown is not limited to specific types of products but extends to a diverse range, emphasising the broad scope of the government’s efforts to maintain the integrity of food and consumer goods.
Why UP Govt has banned Halal-certified products & what is the controversy?
In a significant move, the Yogi Government has initiated actions against the issuance of Halal certificates for vegetarian products, including oil, soap, toothpaste, and honey. The authorities question the necessity of such certificates for non-meat items and raise concerns about a larger conspiracy potentially involving terror funding.
The government’s action comes amid suspicions that terrorist organizations and anti-national activities could be receiving funds through the illegal collection of income under the guise of Halal certificates, often obtained using forged documents. Key organizations, including Halal India Pvt Ltd in Chennai, Jamiat Ulema Hind Halal Trust in Delhi, Halal Council of India in Mumbai, and Jamiat Ulema Maharashtra in Mumbai, are under scrutiny for allegedly providing Halal certificates illegally.
Officials argue that these organisations lack the authority to certify products and are involved in producing fake certificates, betraying public trust and fostering social discord. The concern is that this practice may intentionally harm the sales of products from companies that have not obtained such Halal certificates, potentially constituting a criminal act.
Furthermore, the Yogi Government emphasises the unfair advantage gained by certain companies through the issuance of Halal certificates, which may indirectly support anti-social and anti-national elements. Notably, the controversy extends to the certification of vegetarian products, where the need for a Halal certificate is questioned, adding to suspicions of a deliberate conspiracy against Hindu businesses. The government’s actions are seen as an effort to curb such practices and uphold fair business practices in the region.
The developments have sparked debates on the necessity and implications of such a ban. While proponents argue that it safeguards public health and eliminates confusion, critics express concerns about potential economic ramifications and the need for a balanced approach that respects diverse consumer preferences.
The ongoing investigations and raids are part of a broader strategy by the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure the authenticity and quality of products available to consumers. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how businesses, consumers, and regulatory authorities navigate the intricate landscape of food safety and certification in the state.
In the wake of these actions, businesses across the state are expected to reassess their certification processes and comply with the ban to avoid legal repercussions.
The developments have sparked debates on the necessity and implications of such a ban. While proponents argue that it safeguards public health and eliminates confusion, critics express concerns about potential economic ramifications and the need for a balanced approach that respects diverse consumer preferences.
The ongoing investigations and raids are part of a broader strategy by the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure the authenticity and quality of products available to consumers. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how businesses, consumers, and regulatory authorities navigate the intricate landscape of food safety and certification in the state.
In the wake of these actions, businesses across the state are expected to reassess their certification processes and comply with the ban to avoid legal repercussions.
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