Lucknow: As the festive season approaches, the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has intensified its crackdown on spurious and adulterated food products across the state. Since October 8, authorities have seized a staggering 2,993 quintals of unsafe or adulterated food items, with an estimated market value of ₹3.88 crore, a government statement confirmed. Of this quantity, 1,155 quintals, worth approximately ₹1.75 crore, were deemed unfit for consumption and destroyed under strict supervision.

The FSDA’s crackdown is part of a larger initiative aimed at safeguarding public health during the upcoming Diwali and other festivals, when the demand for sweets, snacks, and other food items increases significantly. Officials said the drive is designed to target both organized suppliers and smaller vendors who may compromise on food safety standards for profit.

Inspection and Seizure Drive Across the State

Since launching the campaign, the FSDA has carried out 4,621 inspections across markets, shops, and food processing units. Additionally, 2,085 raids were conducted, and 2,853 food samples were collected and tested to detect adulteration or contamination. The results of these tests have directly informed enforcement actions, leading to the seizure and destruction of unsafe food items.

FSDA Secretary Roshan Jacob emphasized the seriousness of the campaign, stating, “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.”

District-Wise Seizures and Destruction

Significant seizures were reported in several districts across Uttar Pradesh:

• Unnao: 215 kilograms of khoya were seized and destroyed, and a First Information Report (FIR) was registered.
• Mathura: 400 kilograms of adulterated paneer were destroyed.
• Lucknow: 802 kilograms of khoya were disposed of following testing.
• Jhansi: 1,200 kilograms of khoya were confiscated.
• Hathras: 790 kilograms of spurious pickles were seized.
• Bulandshahr: 3,000 kilograms of adulterated rasgulla and gulab jamun were confiscated.
• Mirzapur and Saharanpur: 1,478 kilograms and 1,100 kilograms of khoya were seized respectively.
• Hapur: 6,000 litres of refined soybean oil were confiscated for testing and compliance violations.

In addition to these district-level actions, the FSDA extended its vigilance to highways, toll plazas, and transport corridors, ensuring that adulterated consignments do not reach urban markets or festival crowds. Large-scale seizures at toll points included:

• Sahibabad Toll: 750 kilograms of paneer
• Hapur Toll: 1,500 kilograms of paneer
• National Highway 34: 4,040 kilograms of khoya
• Barabanki Toll: 910 cartons of adulterated sweets
• Panki Road, Kanpur: 2,450 kilograms of khoya

Authorities noted that targeting highways and toll plazas is a critical component of the enforcement strategy, as large consignments transported from production hubs to retail markets are often the source of spurious or unsafe food items.

Legal Action and Registration of FIRs

Following the seizures, FIRs have been registered under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in Unnao, Mathura, and Lucknow districts. These legal measures serve both as a deterrent to future offenders and as a formal mechanism to prosecute those involved in the production, distribution, or sale of adulterated food.

Public Cooperation Urged

The Uttar Pradesh government has called on citizens to actively assist authorities in the fight against food adulteration. Complaints regarding spurious food or the sale of fake products can be reported immediately through a toll-free number, 1800-180-5533, or via WhatsApp at 9793429747 and 8756128434. The FSDA has assured that the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.

By involving the public in monitoring and reporting, officials aim to create a comprehensive network of vigilance, ensuring that adulterated food does not compromise public health during the festival season.

Impact on Festival Safety

With Diwali just days away, the enforcement drive is particularly timely. Traditional sweets such as khoya, paneer-based items, pickles, and fried snacks are highly susceptible to adulteration due to high demand and improper storage during production. The destruction of over 1,100 quintals of unsafe food not only prevents potential health hazards but also sends a strong message to vendors and distributors that violations of food safety regulations will not be tolerated.

FSDA officials emphasized that the campaign is ongoing, and further raids and inspections will be carried out until the festive period concludes. The state government remains committed to ensuring that festival-goers consume only safe and wholesome food products.

Conclusion

The large-scale seizure and destruction of adulterated food items across Uttar Pradesh highlight the proactive measures being undertaken to protect citizens during the festive season. By combining rigorous inspections, legal action, highway vigilance, and public cooperation, the FSDA aims to curb food adulteration effectively. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant, report suspicious food practices, and ensure that their celebrations are safe and healthy.