Telangana Food Safety Authorities Seize Over 100 Kg Of Adulterated Food In Pre-Diwali Raids

The enforcement operation encompassed all 33 districts across Telangana state.

Telangana's Food Safety authorities conducted a comprehensive statewide enforcement initiative ahead of Diwali, targeting sweet manufacturing facilities and retail establishments. The inspections uncovered widespread hygiene violations and adulteration practices throughout the state as residents prepare for Diwali celebrations.

The enforcement campaign, extending across all 33 districts, revealed extensive use of prohibited ingredients, inadequate sanitation protocols, and distribution of expired products.

Among the 95 sweet production units examined, enforcement teams identified numerous critical infractions. The most alarming discovery was the consistent utilization of artificial food colorants in dairy-based confections including jalebi, laddus, and khoya products, which directly contravenes food safety regulations.

Inspectors discovered adulterated ghee and recycled cooking oil being employed in sweet preparation processes. Multiple establishments were found applying non-food-grade silver foil to confectionery items, further exacerbating the issues of poor hygiene and sanitation conditions throughout the facilities.

Retail inspections identified the storage and sale of unlabeled and expired food merchandise. Officials confiscated over 60 kg of sweets, 40 kg of bread, and various other adulterated food products. Contaminated and artificially colored confections were disposed of immediately, while improvement notices were issued to businesses operating under unsanitary conditions.

The intensive pre-Diwali operation resulted in the collection of 77 enforcement samples and 157 surveillance samples, all forwarded to the Food Testing Laboratory (FTL) for comprehensive analysis. On-site testing was implemented where Food Safety on Wheels vehicles were accessible, providing immediate assessment of product quality. Laboratory analysis results are pending.

These special inspections were implemented as components of the statewide festive verification program under the #FoodSafetyTelangana initiative, aligned with the national @fssaiindia #EatRightIndia campaign.

Following the enforcement action, authorities issued a comprehensive consumer advisory emphasizing caution during the festive period, particularly when purchasing sweets, milk, and milk-derived products.

Consumers are advised to purchase items exclusively from licensed and hygienic establishments displaying valid FSSAI registration numbers. They should avoid confections with unnaturally bright colors or those decorated with non-food-grade silver foil, request proper packaging, and consistently verify the Date of Manufacture and Best Before date. Products appearing stale or emitting unusual odors should be strictly avoided.