In a sweeping enforcement operation ahead of Diwali, Telangana's Food Safety Department inspected 95 sweet shops and manufacturing units across all 33 districts, seizing over 100 kilograms of adulterated food items amid concerns over public health during the festival season. The raids, conducted under the state's #FoodSafetyTelangana initiative and aligned with the national #EatRightIndia campaign by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), exposed widespread violations, including the use of synthetic food colours in popular milk-based sweets like jalebi, laddus, and khoya preparations.

Officials discarded contaminated products on-site and issued improvement notices to non-compliant establishments, emphasising the risks of consuming adulterated sweets that could lead to acute food poisoning or long-term health issues such as allergies and digestive disorders.

The inspections revealed a pattern of systemic lapses in hygiene and quality control, with teams documenting the reuse of cooking oil, adulterated ghee, and non-food-grade silver foil applied to sweets—practices that not only breach FSSAI regulations but also pose serious contamination risks. Retail outlets were found stocking unlabelled and expired items, including over 60 kg of tainted sweets and 40 kg of substandard bread. Enforcement officers collected 77 enforcement samples and 157 surveillance samples for laboratory analysis at the Food Testing Laboratory (FTL), while spot-testing via Food Safety on Wheels vehicles provided immediate insights into adulteration levels.

This proactive drive builds on previous festive crackdowns; in 2024, similar operations in Telangana led to the closure of 20 units and fines exceeding ₹50 lakh, underscoring the recurring challenge of adulteration during high-demand periods like Diwali, when sweet consumption surges by up to 40% statewide. Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, sees families across India exchanging mithai (sweets) symbolising prosperity and joy, but adulteration scandals have marred celebrations in recent years. The Telangana operation reflects a broader national effort, as FSSAI reported over 5,000 inspections nationwide last Diwali, resulting in seizures worth ₹10 crore.

Authorities highlighted that synthetic colours like Rhodamine B, often used for vibrant hues, have been carcinogenic and banned since 2011, yet persist due to lax enforcement in unorganised sectors. The drive's timing—mere hours before Diwali—aims to deter profiteering, with penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act potentially reaching ₹10 lakh per violation, including imprisonment for repeat offenders.

Also Read: Trump Says US Destroyed Fentanyl-Loaded Submarine, Sends Surviving Traffickers to Latin America

In response, the Food Safety Department issued a consumer advisory, urging shoppers to patronise FSSAI-licensed outlets displaying valid registration numbers and to scrutinise products for unnatural colours, proper packaging, manufacturing dates, and absence of off odours. "Festive indulgence should not compromise health; vigilance starts at the point of purchase," stated a department spokesperson. As lab results pend, the initiative serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between tradition and safety, with ongoing surveillance promised through the holiday. Telangana residents, preparing for rangoli, fireworks, and feasts, are encouraged to report violations via the FSSAI helpline, fostering a safer celebratory atmosphere.

Also Read: Kapil Dev Declares Golf Tougher Than Cricket, Sparks Debate Among Fans