In the lead-up to Diwali, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched a sweeping campaign to clamp down on adulterated and unsafe food items being sold during the festive season. Acting under the direct orders of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) conducted a special drive from October 8 to 17, inspecting thousands of shops and food vendors across the state.

So far, the campaign has resulted in 4,621 inspections, 2,085 raids, and the testing of 2,853 food samples. These efforts have led to the seizure of 2,993 quintals of unsafe or adulterated food, with an estimated market value of ₹3.88 crore. Of this, 1,155 quintals, worth nearly ₹1.75 crore, have already been destroyed on the spot after being found unfit for human consumption.

FIRs Registered in Unnao, Mathura, and Lucknow

The crackdown hasn’t stopped at seizures. The administration has also registered three FIRs under the Indian Penal Code 2023 in the districts of Unnao, Mathura, and Lucknow. In each of these cases, authorities found and destroyed large amounts of adulterated food, including khoya and paneer.

FSDA Secretary Dr. Roshan Jacob emphasized the state’s zero-tolerance approach to food adulteration during festivals. “Perishable items are being seized and destroyed on the spot to ensure public health. There will be no compromise on the safety of our citizens,” she said.

Major Seizures Across UP Districts

Numerous districts have reported significant action. In Unnao, 215 kg of adulterated khoya was seized and destroyed. Mathura saw 400 kg of adulterated paneer destroyed, and in Lucknow, 802 kg of unsafe khoya was disposed of. In Jhansi, 1,200 kg of khoya was seized, and in Hathras, 3,000 kg of spoiled pickles were destroyed along with 790 kg of adulterated pickles.

Bulandshahr witnessed one of the largest hauls, with 3,000 kg of adulterated rasgullas and gulab jamuns seized, while Mirzapur authorities confiscated 1,478 kg of khoya. In Saharanpur, 1,100 kg of khoya was destroyed, and Hapur officials seized 6,000 litres of refined soybean oil.

Highway & Toll Plaza Raids Yield Massive Seizures

The campaign extended to highways and toll plazas to curb inter-district transportation of adulterated goods. At the Sahibabad Toll, 750 kg of paneer was seized; Chijarsi Toll in Hapur saw 1,500 kg of paneer confiscated. On NH 34, GT Road in Kanpur, officials seized 4,040 kg of khoya. Meanwhile, at the Barabanki Toll, 910 cartons of spurious sweets were intercepted. On Kanpur Panki Road, 2,450 kg of khoya was destroyed.

FSDA Urges Public Vigilance

The Uttar Pradesh government has appealed to citizens to remain alert and report suspicious food production or sales. The FSDA has released WhatsApp helpline numbers and a confidential reporting system to encourage public participation in the fight against food adulteration.

“This campaign isn’t just about inspections, it’s about ensuring that every family in Uttar Pradesh celebrates a safe, clean, and healthy Diwali,” said Dr. Jacob.

Toll-free number: 1800-180-5533
WhatsApp for adulterated or counterfeit food: 9793429747
WhatsApp for fake or substandard medicines: 8756128434

The government assured that all complaints will remain confidential and strict action will be taken against offenders.

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