In preparation for Navratri and the upcoming festive season, the state government has issued strict new rules for the sale of buckwheat flour, commonly known as kuttu ka atta. The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that no loose flour will be sold and only sealed, properly labeled packets will be allowed.
Our correspondent reports that the SOP, or Standard Operating Procedure, was issued on the instructions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to ensure consumer safety during a period when demand for buckwheat flour rises sharply. The order was signed by Health Secretary and FDA Commissioner Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar, who has directed all district-level officers to enforce compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act.
According to the SOP, buckwheat flour can no longer be sold without a valid food license. All manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers will be required to register their establishments and obtain the necessary approvals before producing or selling the flour. Our correspondent adds that the directive also bans open sales: kuttu ka atta must be sold only in sealed packets.
The packaging must carry clear information, including the name of the manufacturer, establishment name, license number, packing date, expiry date, and full address. This provision has been added to ensure transparency for consumers and accountability for producers. Officials have been told to keep a strict watch on open sales and to act immediately against violators.
Our correspondent reports that inspections will be carried out in two phases. In the first phase, wholesalers, departmental stores, and retailers selling buckwheat flour will be identified. In the second phase, surprise checks will take place both before and after Navratri at these establishments. Authorities will examine packaging standards, storage facilities, and whether the product meets safety norms.
The FDA has also directed that a special campaign be launched across the state to test the quality of buckwheat flour. Our correspondent adds that the move follows repeated complaints in past years about substandard flour being sold during Navratri, causing health risks to consumers. This time, the government has promised strict enforcement, with penalties for those found guilty of violating norms.
The order clarifies that storage, distribution, and retail sale of buckwheat flour must all comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act. District officers have been instructed to collect samples, conduct laboratory tests, and take legal action where necessary. Officials will be held responsible if lapses are found in their jurisdiction.
Consumer rights groups have welcomed the decision, saying it will protect people during a time when adulterated or low-quality products often enter the market. Shopkeepers, however, expressed concern about the cost of compliance, especially small traders who had been selling loose flour. The FDA has advised traders to make the shift quickly and promised guidance on licensing procedures.
Our correspondent adds that the government sees the SOP as part of a broader effort to improve food safety. By enforcing packaging, labeling, and licensing norms, authorities hope to create a model for regulating seasonal commodities that see sudden spikes in demand. Officials said similar checks could be introduced in future for other items commonly used during fasting periods.
The new SOP is expected to come into force immediately, with enforcement teams already preparing to launch inspections. Consumers are advised to check labels carefully when purchasing buckwheat flour and to report violations to the local FDA office. With Navratri around the corner, officials believe these measures will help ensure that only safe and standard-quality flour reaches the public.
