PRAYAGRAJ, Oct. 19 -- In a major drive to ensure food safety ahead of Diwali, officials in Prayagraj have intensified their crackdown on food adulteration as part of a district-wide campaign. According to Sushil Kumar Singh, assistant commissioner of food safety (division II), Prayagraj, the campaign is being conducted in accordance with state government directives to eliminate adulterated food products from the market. As part of the initiative, the district has been divided into five sectors, with dedicated teams deployed in each to carry out inspections. Between October 8 and 16, a total of 82 inspections were carried out across commercial establishments in Prayagraj district. During 46 raids, authorities collected 57 food samples and seized approximately 9,613 kilograms of adulterated food items valued at Rs.8.58 lakh. Additionally, 1,901 kilograms of substandard or adulterated food, worth Rs.2.21 lakh, were destroyed on the spot. The seized samples have been sent to a laboratory in Lucknow for testing. Results are expected within a month, after which appropriate legal action will be initiated based on the findings. Singh emphasised that strict measures will continue against those compromising public health through food adulteration. Simultaneously, the food safety and drug administration (FSDA) department has also taken action against counterfeit medicines in the district. Suspected adulteration can be reported via the helpline at 1800-180-5533 or through WhatsApp at 9793429747....