A comprehensive operation targeting food adulteration in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, has resulted in the confiscation of fake spices, dairy products, and expired sweets valued at nearly Rs 56 lakh. Enforcement teams from the Food Safety and Drug Administration conducted coordinated inspections throughout the city, disposing of unsafe food items on-site while sending multiple samples for lab analysis.

Authorities reported the seizure of 10,415 kg of adulterated spices and khoya, totaling approximately Rs 55.91 lakh in value. Additionally, officials discovered 112 kg of expired sweets that were promptly destroyed to safeguard public health. A total of 15 food samples have been taken and sent for testing, with strict legal action anticipated following the receipt of the test results to uphold a zero-tolerance stance on adulteration.

Expired Sweets Destroyed During Inspections

In one of the inspections at a storage facility located in Faizullaganj, enforcement teams found expired sonpapdi and rajbhog, with a combined worth of around Rs 45,000. All of the compromised stock was destroyed at the site to prevent any further public exposure. Samples of other sweets, including peda, rasgulla, gulab jamun, petha, and gujiya, were also carefully sealed for examination to assess their safety.

Significant Seizures from Cold Storage Facilities

An extensive recovery operation also transpired at a cold storage facility in Aishbagh, where officials seized 8,499 kg of black pepper and 378 kg of khoya. In addition, samples of saunf and various other food items were taken as part of the ongoing investigation, indicating the thoroughness of the inspection efforts across different sites within the city.

Food Outlets Under Scrutiny

In Mahanagar, food safety officials expanded their investigative efforts to include local cafés, collecting samples of paneer and gujiya for testing. The enforcement teams emphasized their zero-tolerance policy towards violations, stating that immediate action will be taken against any entities found guilty once the lab results are confirmed. This vigilance reinforces the authorities’ commitment to ensuring food safety in consumer settings.

Public Awareness Campaign Highlights Health Risks

In a parallel initiative, the ‘Food Safety on Wheels’ program conducted an awareness drive in the Madiyanv area, cautioning residents about the health risks associated with brightly colored papad and kachri sold in open markets. Officials alerted the public that these products may contain banned synthetic colors, which pose severe health risks, ranging from digestive disorders to more serious conditions, including cancer. The awareness campaign aims to educate consumers and reduce the acceptance of potentially harmful food items.

Stringent Measures Signal Intent to Combat Food Adulteration

With widespread seizures, the immediate destruction of expired goods, and clear warnings of legal repercussions, the recent actions taken in Lucknow underscore the government’s firm stance against food adulteration. This proactive approach is expected to resonate within the local food industry, signaling that the authorities will pursue strict enforcement of food safety regulations to protect public health.

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