Pune: FDA Seizes 16.5 Tonnes of Adulterated Jaggery, 20 Tonnes Sugar in Daund Raid
Pune, 6th June 2026: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Pune, has seized 16.5 tonnes of jaggery and 20 tonnes of sugar worth around Rs 17 lakh after uncovering alleged adulteration of jaggery with sugar at manufacturing units in Daund taluka.
Officials said the action was taken following inspections carried out on May 29 at several jaggery production units in the taluka. Samples of the seized stock have been sent to a laboratory for analysis, and further action will be initiated based on the test results.
According to the FDA, inspections revealed that some manufacturers were mixing sugar with jaggery to enhance its sweetness and improve its colour and appearance. The agency also found several other violations, including production without the required licences, misleading packaging, and failure to comply with prescribed hygiene and food safety standards.
Authorities said irregularities were detected at jaggery units in the Bori Pardhi, Sahajpur and Khamgaon Phata areas. Officials found that in several cases, jaggery blocks were not prepared as per prescribed norms, while damaged gunny bags were being used for storage and packaging. Some establishments were also operating without mandatory food safety licences.
The FDA has initiated legal proceedings against the units for violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations.
Pradeep Ambare, Assistant Commissioner, FDA Pune division, said jaggery is naturally produced from sugarcane juice, but some manufacturers were allegedly adding sugar and artificial colouring agents to increase sweetness, improve the texture of jaggery blocks and give them a more attractive appearance.
