FDA and administration raid Shalimar sweet factory in Gondia, seize adulterated food items

A joint team of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the district collector's office today carried out a surprise raid on the sweet-making factory of the well-known Shalimar eatery in Gondia's Kudwa area. Large quantities of adulterated food items, sweets prepared in unclean conditions and suspect raw material were seized.

The action was carried out under the guidance of Additional District Collector Ghorpade and food safety officers. The team reached the factory early in the morning and began the raid.

During the inspection, suspect pieces of sweets were found kept in plastic bags. Boondi was lying uncovered, and raw material was found stored in dirty sacks.

Police and revenue department staff were also present while the panchnama of the items at the factory was drawn up and samples were collected. FDA officials, including women officers, went inside the factory themselves, examined the sweets, weighed them and took samples.

An official panchnama and a report on the seizure of samples were also prepared on the spot by the Food Safety Officer, Gondia.

The administration has given a clear message that strict action will be taken against such adulterators who play with people's health, whether in the festival season or on ordinary days. The seized samples have been sent to a laboratory for testing. Once the reports arrive, legal action will be taken against those concerned under the food safety and standards law.

The sudden, large-scale action has caused panic among those involved in adulteration in Gondia city and the surrounding area.