Big attack on adulteration before Navratri! 20,924 KG adulterated food items seized in UP, 4,273 KG contaminated food items destroyed

In view of Shardiya Navratri and the upcoming festive season, the Uttar Pradesh government and the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) have launched a statewide intensive testing campaign. The department has taken record action in this special campaign to curb adulteration in fruit items, milk products and sweets during fasting and festivals.

During simultaneous raids conducted in different districts of the state 20,924 kg Suspicious and adulterated food items have been seized, while those found to be highly harmful to human health have been seized. 4,273 kg Rotten and contaminated food items have been destroyed on the spot.

Rapid raids in Lucknow, Kanpur and Western UP

Flying Squads formed on the instructions of the Food Safety Commissioner conducted surprise inspections on wholesale markets, cold storages, flour mills and dairy units:

• A close look at buckwheat and water chestnut flour: A thorough inspection of the warehouses of buckwheat, water chestnut flour and sago, which are most commonly used during Navratri fast, was done. Old, moldy and wormy buckwheat stocks were seized and immediately disposed of to prevent incidents of ‘food poisoning’.

• Synthetic Khoya, Paneer and Desi Ghee: A huge quantity of fake milk, paneer and mawa mixed with detergent and palm oil was seized from illegal dairy units operating around Kanpur, Meerut, Agra and Lucknow.

• Spices and edible oils: Samples of adulterated mustard oil and red chilli and turmeric colored with inedible colors were sealed.

Legal troubles: Hundreds of samples sent to lab, FIR will be registered

The department did not limit its action only to seizure and destruction but also took strict legal steps:

1. Lab Testing: Out of the seized material, more than 850 suspected samples have been sent to State Food Laboratories for rapid testing.

2. License suspension and sealing: After serious irregularities were found, licenses of more than 40 manufacturing units and shops have been suspended with immediate effect and many establishments have been sealed.

3. Punitive action: Under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSAI Act, 2006), heavy fines have been imposed on adulterators and the process of filing FIR under non-bailable sections in serious cases that compromise health.

Safety advisory for consumers: Be careful while buying fruits

The administration has appealed to the general public to be cautious during festival shopping:

• Avoid buying loose flour: Instead of buying loose buckwheat or water chestnut flour, buy only packed flour of FSSAI registered brands and check its expiry date.

• Identification of smell and color: If buckwheat flour looks extremely black instead of brown or it smells of bitterness and dampness, then do not consume it at all.

• When in doubt, file a complaint: If there is suspicion of adulterated food items being sold at any shop, consumers can directly lodge a complaint with the District Food Safety Office or the state’s toll-free helpline number.