FDA seizes 1,190 kg of laddu and boondi from Pune sweet unit over food colour limits

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday seized 1,190 kg of motichoor laddus and boondi from Gayatri Laddu Bhandar in Tilekar Nagar, in the Kondhwa Budruk area of Pune. The seized stock is valued at about Rs 1,73,950.

Officials said the inspection found that the unit was using food colour beyond the permitted limit. It was also not following the cleanliness and safety standards required for making sweets.

The inspection found that the unit had not observed the rule on how much colour can be added per kilo of sweets. When officials asked for analytical test reports on hygiene and sanitation, the unit could not produce any. Besides the laddus and boondi, a large number of containers of food colour were found at the unit. A stock of gulab jamun and sugar syrup was also kept there.

Speaking to the media at the spot, an FDA official said the safety and hygiene standards laid down in Schedule 4 of the Food Safety Act had also been violated. The official said: "Food colour was being used in this unit beyond the approved limit, and the hygiene norms were not met either. That is why the seizure was carried out."

The official also explained that there are strict provisions, with precise measurements, on how much colour may be added per kilo of sweets. The official said: "None of these guidelines was followed, so it is a clear violation. These people could not even produce an analytical test report."

The action came a day after Maharashtra Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe warned sweet makers. He was speaking at a Diwali snacks distribution event organised by the Poona Merchants' Chamber. He had said the colours used in laddus made for the market must stay within the prescribed limits and standards. The inspection at Gayatri Laddu Bhandar was carried out the very next day.

Demand for sweets is rising as Diwali nears. The seizure shows the FDA's tough stance against adulteration in sweets and festive savouries, and against the use of unapproved or excessive artificial colours.