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Lucknow, October 19, 2025: With Diwali around the corner, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched a stringent campaign to curb the sale of adulterated and contaminated food items across the state. The move comes as part of a larger effort to safeguard public health during the festival, a time when the consumption of sweets, snacks, and other food items surges dramatically.

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Scope of the Campaign

The Diwali special campaign was carried out from October 8 to October 17, with the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) leading the initiative under the supervision of Commissioner Roshan Jacob. Enforcement teams conducted extensive inspections, raids, and sample testing across multiple districts.

The campaign statistics indicate the scale of the operation:

• 6,075 inspections were conducted across the state.
• 2,740 raids were carried out targeting suspicious food establishments.
• 3,767 samples were collected for laboratory testing to check for adulteration.
• 3,548 quintals of adulterated or suspicious materials, valued at around ₹4.97 crore, were seized.
• An additional 1,871 quintals of harmful items, worth approximately ₹2.89 crore, were destroyed.

In total, food products worth roughly ₹8 crore were seized and destroyed to prevent their circulation in the market.

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Government Measures and Enforcement

Commissioner Roshan Jacob emphasized that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has mandated a zero-tolerance approach to adulteration, especially during festivals. “Any compromise with public health will not be tolerated at any level. Strict action is being taken against adulterators, including registration of FIRs against the culprits,” Jacob said.

The campaign also targets organized food adulteration networks. In areas where these have been identified, district magistrates have been recommended to initiate action under laws such as the Gangster Act or the Arms Act, in addition to the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act 2006 and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

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Consumer Awareness and Participation

To empower consumers and encourage reporting of violations, the FSDA has instructed all food business operators to display a ‘Food Safety Sticker’ at their establishments. The sticker contains:

• The name of the establishment
• Mobile number
• Departmental toll-free number
• QR code for instant complaint registration

This initiative is intended to create a transparent system where consumers can actively participate in monitoring food quality, thereby complementing government enforcement efforts.

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Diwali and the Importance of Food Safety

Diwali is traditionally a festival that symbolizes purity, health, and well-being. With families preparing sweets, snacks, and festive meals, the potential for adulteration increases due to high demand. The Uttar Pradesh government’s campaign seeks to ensure that citizens celebrate safely without risking health hazards from contaminated food.

Jacob stressed that the campaign is not limited to the festival period. “This drive will continue beyond Diwali, as the government is committed to making Uttar Pradesh an adulteration-free state,” he said.

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Legal Action Against Violators

FIRs are being registered against offenders to ensure strict punishment. Enforcement actions include:

• Seizure and destruction of adulterated goods
• Registration of criminal cases under the FSS Act 2006
• Additional legal measures under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
• Action against organized networks under the Gangster Act and Arms Act, where applicable

The campaign reflects a multi-tiered approach, combining strict enforcement, public awareness, and consumer participation to tackle food adulteration effectively.

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Conclusion

Uttar Pradesh’s Diwali special campaign against food adulteration is one of the most intensive in recent years, reflecting the government’s commitment to public health and safety during the festival. By combining raids, inspections, legal action, and consumer engagement, the state aims to eliminate the circulation of contaminated food items, ensuring a safe and healthy celebration for millions of residents.

As the festival approaches, authorities have urged shopkeepers, traders, and citizens to adhere strictly to food safety standards, highlighting that vigilance, enforcement, and awareness are the key pillars of this statewide drive.

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Key Highlights:

• Campaign period: October 8–17, 2025
• Inspections conducted: 6,075
• Raids conducted: 2,740
• Samples tested: 3,767
• Adulterated goods seized: 3,548 quintals (₹4.97 crore)
• Harmful items destroyed: 1,871 quintals (₹2.89 crore)
• Total value of seized and destroyed items: ₹8 crore
• Consumer participation via Food Safety Sticker and QR codes

This comprehensive approach is aimed at making Uttar Pradesh a model state in food safety enforcement, particularly during high-consumption periods like Diwali.