FDA urges caution on Diwali sweets and khoya; foodstuff worth Rs 64.45 crore seized in state-wide drive

With Diwali under way, sweets, khoya, mawa and other food items are selling briskly in the markets. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said demand for sweets rises sharply during the festival, and some sellers may exploit it to sell adulterated or substandard goods. He has therefore appealed to people to take particular care when buying sweets and khoya.

Mundhe said people should buy only as much sweet or khoya as they need, and should not buy khoya sweets more than two or three days old. Where possible, they should buy from well-known shops that display proper labels, and check whether the date of manufacture is printed on the packet. Anyone who suspects adulteration in sweets or has a complaint should inform the FDA, and Mundhe said appropriate action would be taken on such complaints.

Mundhe also asked people to look at the colour of sweets. Sweets that are very bright or have too much artificial colour added should be avoided. Care should also be taken with sweets topped with gold or silver leaf. People should check whether silver leaf dissolves or forms a foil when held in the hand. If it forms a foil, it may be aluminium, Mundhe said.

To ensure people get safe and good food during the festival, the FDA has run an inspection drive across the state. Between September 1 and November 3, 9,667 food establishments were inspected across the state. Of these, 4,603 were issued notices and 954 licences were suspended. Foodstuff worth Rs 64.45 crore was seized in the action. Mundhe said 8,835 food samples were taken for testing and a total of 398 tonnes of foodstuff was seized.

During Diwali, from October 15 to November 3, the FDA ran a special inspection drive. In this period 3,332 food establishments were inspected, of which 1,501 were issued notices. For violations, 326 licences were suspended and 15 licences were cancelled. Ahead of Diwali, khoya, mawa, milk, paneer, edible oil, food colour and other food items being brought into Maharashtra from other states were also checked.

People should complain to the Food and Drug Administration if they suspect adulteration in sweets or any other food item. Mundhe said sweet sellers must also follow the rules on cleanliness, food quality and storage. He appealed to people to stay alert when buying sweets so that their health is not put at risk amid the joy of the festival.