Pune: FDA Cracks Down on Adulterated Food Sales During Dussehra and Diwali, Seizes Goods Worth Rs 24 Lakh
Pune, 8th November 2024: With the increased demand for sweets and festive foods during Dussehra and Diwali, some vendors in Pune have been found selling adulterated products. In response, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched an extensive sweep across the city, seizing tainted goods worth ₹24 lakh and issuing a closure notice to one vendor.
This action was part of the FDA’s ongoing campaign to safeguard public health, conducted under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations of 2006 and 2011. The operation aimed to ensure that festival shoppers receive safe, unadulterated food.
In Pune district, the FDA inspected 48 food establishments, collecting 55 samples of products including milk, khoya, paneer, sweet mawa, ghee, butter, and namkeen for analysis. Pending test results, officials seized goods worth ₹14.88 lakh, including cow ghee, butter, and vegetable ghee, on suspicion of adulteration. One vendor was also ordered to cease operations.
The FDA extended its crackdown to the Pune division, inspecting 83 additional establishments and collecting 102 samples of similar food items. Goods worth ₹9.19 lakh, including cow ghee, butter, and sweet khoya, were seized on suspicion of being adulterated, bringing the total value of confiscated items across the Pune district and division to ₹24.07 lakh.
Suresh Annapure, Joint Commissioner of the FDA, urged the public to report any suspected cases of adulteration by calling the toll-free number 1800-222-365. He emphasized that enforcement actions would continue throughout the festive season to protect consumers.
