FDA seizes 219.4 kg of spices worth Rs 77.12 lakh in Nagpur ahead of Diwali

The Nagpur division of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ran a special food safety drive on the eve of Diwali. Spices weighing 219.4 kg and valued at Rs 77.12 lakh were seized. Inspections were carried out in Nagpur city and in rural areas.

Checks were made at Kalamna, Itwari, Wadi and rural Nagpur. Several alleged violations of the prescribed norms for food hygiene and storage were found there, raising concern about the handling and quality of goods reaching the festive market.

The seized spices are suspected to be of poor quality or adulterated, and to have been prepared in unhygienic conditions. The FDA has made it clear, however, that the exact nature of the suspected violations will become clear only after laboratory analysis.

According to R. R. Shah, assistant commissioner of the FDA in Nagpur, the inspection found violations of the hygiene conditions in Schedule IV. The schedule lays down norms for maintaining cleanliness and handling food safely.

The lapses noticed included food items kept directly on the floor, poor packing, incorrect labelling and a general lack of cleanliness at the premises inspected. Such practices raise doubts about the conditions in which food is prepared, stored and handled before it reaches consumers.

The FDA seized the spices on grounds of suspected poor quality and possible adulteration, which are yet to be confirmed by laboratory tests. Shah cautioned against drawing conclusions before the results are in. He said laboratory reports would decide whether the samples contained unknown substances or failed to meet the prescribed quality norms. The seizure is based on suspected violations and does not by itself prove that the products are adulterated, a distinction that is important.

Officials have indicated that the FDA is expected to take further action within 14 days. Where violations are established, the action against those responsible will depend on the laboratory findings.

The drive is not limited to spices. According to Krishna Jaipurkar, joint commissioner of the FDA in Nagpur, edible oil, sweets, dry fruits, chocolates and namkeen are also being inspected as part of the wider Diwali food safety campaign.

Traditional Maharashtrian items such as chakli and other snacks are also under inspection, as their sales and demand rise during the festival. The aim of the expanded checks is to examine the quality and safety of the various food items bought in homes during Diwali.

Consumers have been advised to check that packaging is intact, to read the label, manufacturing and expiry details, and to avoid buying food from clearly unclean premises. Particular care should be taken with items that are packed in a suspicious manner or not properly labelled.

Laboratory results are awaited. Whether the seized spices failed the prescribed safety or quality norms, and what action follows, will depend on the FDA's next steps.