Uttar Pradesh Seizes Adulterated Food Worth ₹5 Crore in Pre-Festive Crackdown

As the festive season approaches, people across India increase their purchase of sweets, dairy products, oils, and other consumables. Recognizing the potential risks to public health, the Uttar Pradesh government launched a large-scale crackdown on adulterated and unsafe food items ahead of Diwali 2025. The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA), along with local authorities, carried out extensive inspections and raids across multiple districts. This proactive operation led to the seizure of adulterated food worth nearly ₹5 crore and highlighted the ongoing challenges of food safety in India.

The Scale of the Operation

From early October until mid-month, the FSDA undertook 5,464 inspections and 2,448 raids across the state. The primary objective was to ensure that food sold during the festive season met safety standards. Authorities collected 3,369 food samples for laboratory testing, while 3,394 quintals of adulterated items were seized. Nearly half of these items were destroyed on-site after failing safety tests.

The operation covered not only large cities such as Lucknow, Kanpur, and Aligarh but also smaller towns and rural markets. Inspectors focused on wholesale markets, sweet shops, dairies, and food manufacturing units where adulteration is more likely to occur due to the high volume of sales during festivals.

Key Seizures and Findings

Among the confiscated items, authorities found a variety of unsafe products, including khoya, sweets, paneer, ghee, milk, edible oils, and packaged food products. In Lucknow alone, over 12,200 kilograms of adulterated items were seized. One of the most alarming discoveries was the production of synthetic khoya, which contained harmful additives such as skimmed milk powder, maize starch, vanaspati ghee, and even traces of detergent and talcum powder. The owner of the unit was arrested, and a formal case of food adulteration was registered.

In Mathura and Aligarh, dairies were found using palmolein oil and artificial whiteners in milk and paneer to enhance appearance and increase weight. Around 4,150 kilograms of adulterated milk products were confiscated in Aligarh. The authorities lodged five FIRs and suspended ten licenses of businesses involved in producing unsafe food.

Health Risks of Adulterated Food

The consumption of adulterated food can have serious health consequences. Products contaminated with harmful chemicals, synthetic oils, or artificial coloring agents can lead to food poisoning, allergic reactions, digestive problems, and long-term organ damage. During festivals, when the consumption of sweets and dairy products spikes, the risk is even higher.

Synthetic khoya and paneer laced with harmful substances are particularly dangerous, as these products are often consumed directly or incorporated into popular sweets. The FSDA’s operations prevented large quantities of unsafe items from reaching households, protecting thousands of families from potential health hazards.

Actions Against Offenders

The crackdown not only involved seizing adulterated food but also taking strict action against violators. Arrests were made, licenses of factories and shops were suspended, and multiple FIRs were filed. Authorities also ensured that seized items were either destroyed or sent for laboratory testing to further support legal action.

The government has emphasized that repeat offenders will face harsher consequences, including permanent revocation of licenses and criminal prosecution. The crackdown serves as a warning to food producers and sellers that consumer safety is a priority and violations will not be tolerated.

Public Awareness and Reporting Mechanisms

The FSDA has also taken steps to involve the public in ensuring food safety. Helplines and WhatsApp numbers have been provided for consumers to report suspected adulterated food products. Citizens are encouraged to request receipts when purchasing food and to be vigilant about the quality of products.

The government’s awareness campaigns include educating the public about the dangers of consuming contaminated food, particularly during festivals. Flyers, social media posts, and local advertisements have been used to disseminate information on how to identify safe food, verify licenses of food vendors, and report unsafe products.

Impact of the Crackdown

The pre-Diwali crackdown in Uttar Pradesh has had a significant impact on both food vendors and consumers. For vendors, it has served as a strong reminder to comply with food safety regulations. For consumers, it has increased awareness about checking product quality and prioritizing safety over price.

Experts suggest that such operations are vital not only for festival seasons but also year-round. The prevalence of adulterated food in India remains a public health challenge, and proactive enforcement combined with public awareness is essential to mitigate risks.

Challenges in Food Safety

Despite government efforts, challenges persist in ensuring complete food safety. Many small-scale producers and vendors operate without adequate quality control measures. Adulteration is often economically motivated, as unscrupulous sellers add synthetic materials or chemicals to reduce costs and increase profits.

Moreover, enforcement agencies face logistical challenges in monitoring the vast number of food units, especially in densely populated areas. Coordinated efforts between the FSDA, local authorities, and police are crucial to maintaining the effectiveness of inspections and raids.

Looking Ahead

The Uttar Pradesh government has pledged to continue its focus on food safety beyond the festive season. Plans include regular inspections, stricter licensing regulations, and ongoing public awareness campaigns. By taking a proactive approach, the state aims to build consumer confidence in food quality and safety standards.

For citizens, remaining vigilant, reporting suspicious products, and buying from licensed vendors will be key steps in complementing government efforts. The combination of regulatory action and informed consumers is essential to curbing food adulteration in the long term.

Conclusion

The pre-Diwali seizure of adulterated food worth ₹5 crore in Uttar Pradesh demonstrates the government’s commitment to public health and consumer protection. Through large-scale inspections, raids, and public awareness campaigns, the authorities have intercepted harmful products that could have affected thousands of families.

While the crackdown has sent a strong message to food vendors, it also highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring food safety in India. Adulteration remains a significant public health risk, and sustained efforts from both the government and citizens are required to address it.

As the festive season unfolds, the emphasis on vigilance, quality assurance, and public reporting will continue to be critical in protecting consumers and ensuring that celebrations remain safe and joyous.