Mumbai: Ahead of Diwali, Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner and IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe (2005: MH), has urged consumers to be vigilant while purchasing sweets, milk products and other festive food items. He advised people to buy fresh sweets in limited quantities, check product labels and avoid items with suspicious colours or packaging.
The appeal comes amid an intensified food safety enforcement drive across Maharashtra. Between September 1 and November 3, the FDA inspected 9,667 food establishments, collected 8,835 food samples for laboratory testing and took action against businesses found violating food safety regulations.
According to figures shared by Mundhe, the department seized 398 tonnes of adulterated or unsafe food products valued at ₹64.45 crore during this period. It also imposed fines on 4,603 businesses and suspended 954 commercial licences.
FDA’s Food Safety Enforcement Drive: Key Figures
The enforcement campaign covered food establishments across Maharashtra. The major figures reported by the department include:
- 9,667 food establishments inspected between September 1 and November 3.
- 8,835 food samples collected and sent for laboratory testing.
- 4,603 businesses penalised for regulatory violations.
- 398 tonnes of adulterated or unsafe food seized.
- ₹64.45 crore worth of food products seized.
- 954 commercial licences suspended.
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Mundhe reiterated the department’s commitment to protecting public health and enforcing food safety standards during the festive season.
Buy Only Two to Three Days’ Worth of Sweets
With demand for sweets and khoya-based products increasing during Diwali, the FDA Commissioner advised consumers against purchasing large quantities for storage.
He recommended that people buy sweets according to their consumption requirements for the next two to three days rather than keeping them refrigerated for extended periods.
He also cautioned consumers against purchasing khoya-based sweets that had been displayed in shops for more than two to three days.
Other precautions recommended by the FDA include:
- Purchase sweets and dairy products only from recognised shops displaying valid FDA licences.
- Check manufacturing and expiry dates on packaged sweets, khoya, chocolates, cakes and gift hampers.
- Examine product labels and packaging before making a purchase.
- Avoid unlabelled or expired food products.
- Stay away from sweets and other food items containing excessively bright or suspicious colours.
How to Identify Real Silver Foil on Sweets?
Addressing concerns over the use of silver and gold foil on festive sweets, Mundhe advised consumers to pay particular attention to the material used for decoration.
He explained a simple method to distinguish genuine silver foil from aluminium foil:
- Take a small piece of the decorative foil and rub it between your fingers or on your palm.
- Genuine silver foil will disintegrate completely when rubbed.
- Aluminium foil will not dissolve in the same manner and may instead fold or form a small layer.
The FDA Commissioner warned that the use of aluminium foil as a substitute for silver foil on sweets would invite strict legal action against the vendors concerned.
FDA Advises Consumers to Buy Packaged Milk
Mundhe also recommended purchasing packaged milk instead of loose or raw milk to reduce the risk of consuming adulterated products.
He said the department would follow a zero-tolerance approach towards adulteration of ghee and edible oils with animal fat or chemicals.
The FDA has also issued instructions to restaurant operators and roadside food vendors against repeatedly using the same cooking oil for frying.
Report Suspected Food Adulteration to FDA
The Commissioner appealed to consumers to cooperate with the administration in ensuring a safe and adulteration-free Diwali.
People have been advised to report suspicious food products or suspected quality violations involving:
- Milk and dairy products.
- Ghee and edible oils.
- Sweets and khoya.
- Namkeen and other packaged food items.
The FDA has urged consumers to inform the department promptly so that suspected violations can be investigated and appropriate legal action initiated.
Mundhe emphasised that consumer awareness and responsible purchasing practices are important in preventing food adulteration during the festive season.
