Diwali Alert: FDA Warns of Rising Food Adulteration Risks
Pune, 29th October 2024: As Diwali approaches, the risk of food adulteration—particularly in sweets, khoya, paneer, ghee, and edible oils—significantly increases. To combat this, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) typically conducts a special inspection drive to prevent food poisoning during this festive season.
However, this year, the Assembly Elections have diverted many FDA officers and employees to election-related tasks, leaving the agency short-staffed. Consequently, officials have been instructed to manage both the anti-adulteration campaign and their election responsibilities. This dual duty raises concerns about the effectiveness of the inspections.
Consumers are advised to scrutinize product labels for batch numbers, lot numbers, expiration dates, production dates, food registration numbers, and licenses. If such information is absent, it is recommended to refrain from purchasing the item. After buying sweets, customers should consume them quickly to ensure freshness and quality. It’s also wise to request a receipt from the seller to prevent fraud. For any complaints regarding the quality of food items, consumers are encouraged to register their complaints on the toll-free number 1800-222-365.
Producers are urged to maintain cleanliness in food preparation areas and to use potable water for cooking. They should source raw materials from licensed vendors and store prepared food safely under a mesh cover. Additionally, reused oil for frying should be avoided, and workers with skin or infectious diseases should not be employed or should undergo regular medical examinations to prevent health risks.
