In a significant move to safeguard public health during the festive season, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) in Uttar Pradesh has seized a massive quantity of adulterated and unsafe food products. Since the beginning of October, the agency has successfully confiscated approximately 2,993 quintals of such items, valued at an estimated ₹3.88 crore. This extensive operation, which includes over 4,600 inspections and 2,000 raids across the state, has resulted in the destruction of 1,155 quintals of food deemed unfit for consumption, worth ₹1.75 crore.
FSDA Secretary Roshan Jacob emphasized the state’s commitment to public health, stating, “Strict action is being taken across the state against adulteration and the sale of harmful food materials. There will be no compromise on citizens’ health during the festive season.”
The intensified drive has led to several key seizures and destructions. In Unnao, 215 kg of adulterated khoya were confiscated, while Mathura saw the destruction of 400 kg of fake paneer. Lucknow reported the disposal of 802 kg of impure khoya. Other districts have also reported significant seizures, including 1,200 kg of khoya in Jhansi, 790 kg of spurious pickle in Hathras, and substantial amounts of adulterated rasgulla, gulab jamun, and khoya in districts like Bulandshahr, Mirzapur, and Saharanpur. Hapur alone seized 6,000 litres of refined soybean oil.
The campaign also targeted food items being transported on highways and toll plazas. Notable seizures include 750 kg of paneer at Sahibabad toll, 1,500 kg at Hapur toll, and significant quantities of khoya and adulterated sweets at various other checkpoints.
The Uttar Pradesh government has urged citizens to actively participate in ensuring food safety by reporting any instances of adulteration or the sale of fake products. Complaints can be lodged via the toll-free number 1800-180-5533 or through WhatsApp at 9793429747 and 8756128434. The FSDA has assured that the identities of informants will be kept confidential.