Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – In a concerted crackdown on unsafe and spurious food products ahead of the festive season, the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has seized a staggering 2,993 quintals of adulterated or unsafe food items across the state since October 8, 2025. The total estimated market value of these confiscated products is ₹3.88 crore, according to an official statement released by the state government.

The FSDA’s intensified campaign comes at a critical time, as a series of festivals, including Diwali, draw millions of consumers to local markets across Uttar Pradesh. The drive aims to safeguard citizens’ health by preventing the sale of adulterated or substandard food items, which are particularly prevalent during festival seasons when demand for sweets, dairy products, and other edible goods surges.

Over the past week, the FSDA conducted 4,621 inspections and 2,085 raids across the state, testing 2,853 food samples for safety and quality. The operation targeted both retail outlets and wholesalers, ensuring that spurious products did not reach consumers. Of the total seized stock, 1,155 quintals, valued at ₹1.75 crore, were deemed unfit for consumption and destroyed, a move officials said was essential to prevent public health risks.

District-Wise Seizures and Destruction

In Unnao, authorities confiscated and destroyed 215 kg of khoya, while Mathura saw the destruction of 400 kg of adulterated paneer. Lucknow witnessed the disposal of 802 kg of khoya, all part of a coordinated effort to remove unsafe items from circulation. Jhansi authorities seized 1,200 kg of khoya, whereas Hathras saw the confiscation of 790 kg of spurious pickle, a product commonly consumed during the festival season.

Bulandshahr officials seized 3,000 kg of adulterated sweets, including rasgulla and gulab jamun, highlighting the risk of unsafe confections being sold in the lead-up to Diwali. In Mirzapur and Saharanpur, 1,478 kg and 1,100 kg of khoya, respectively, were confiscated. Hapur authorities recovered 6,000 litres of refined soybean oil, pointing to the prevalence of adulterated edible oils in the market.

The FSDA also extended its vigilance to highways and toll plazas, intercepting large consignments being transported across districts. Key seizures included 750 kg of paneer at Sahibabad toll, 1,500 kg at Hapur toll, 4,040 kg of khoya on NH-34, 910 cartons of adulterated sweets at Barabanki toll, and 2,450 kg of khoya on Kanpur’s Panki Road. These proactive measures aim to prevent unsafe products from reaching consumers during the high-demand festival period.

Legal Action and Penalties

In connection with these seizures, FIRs have been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in Unnao, Mathura, and Lucknow districts. FSDA Secretary Roshan Jacob emphasised the government’s zero-tolerance approach towards food adulteration. “Strict action is being taken across the state against adulteration and the sale of harmful food materials. There will be no compromise on citizens’ health during the festive season,” Jacob said.

The FSDA’s crackdown is part of a larger framework under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which empowers authorities to inspect, seize, and destroy substandard food products, in addition to taking legal action against offenders. These measures are designed to ensure that both consumers and the market are protected from unscrupulous traders exploiting festival demand to sell unsafe food.

Public Awareness and Reporting Mechanisms

The state government has urged citizens to play an active role in reporting the sale of adulterated or spurious food items. Complaints can be lodged via a toll-free number, 1800-180-5533, or through WhatsApp at 9793429747 and 8756128434. The FSDA has assured the public that the identities of informants will be kept confidential, encouraging people to report violations without fear of reprisal.

Authorities have stressed that vigilance at the consumer level is equally critical in curbing the circulation of unsafe food products. “Consumers must be cautious, check packaging and labels, and report suspicious products to help us ensure food safety,” a senior FSDA official said.

Festival Season Challenges

The timing of the campaign is crucial, as festivals like Diwali traditionally see a surge in the sale of sweets, dairy products, edible oils, pickles, and other festive foods. The high demand often incentivises some traders to adulterate or sell substandard products to maximise profits. With a population of over 24 crore, Uttar Pradesh presents unique challenges in monitoring food safety, making state-level initiatives like this one essential for protecting public health.

Experts in food safety note that adulterated food items can cause a range of health issues, from mild gastrointestinal problems to severe infections and long-term health risks. Dairy products like khoya and paneer are particularly susceptible to contamination due to improper storage, excessive moisture, and unregulated production processes. The destruction of unsafe stocks by authorities prevents potentially hazardous food from reaching consumers, averting a public health crisis.

Looking Ahead

With the ongoing inspections, raids, and sample testing, the FSDA aims to maintain a sustained campaign through the festive period. Officials emphasise that such drives will continue year-round to ensure that unsafe and adulterated food items are consistently kept off the market.

As the festival season progresses, citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious food items promptly. The FSDA’s combination of proactive enforcement, destruction of unsafe products, and public awareness is intended to create a safer food environment in the state.

The recent seizures underscore the importance of strict regulatory oversight and the role of citizens in maintaining food safety. By targeting both the supply and transport of adulterated products, Uttar Pradesh authorities are sending a clear message that the sale of unsafe food will not be tolerated, especially during periods of heightened demand.