Key Development

Food safety authorities have stepped up inspections across Uttar Pradesh as demand rises during Ramadan and the upcoming Holi season. Recent raids in Kanpur and Meerut uncovered expired, adulterated, and misbranded food stocks allegedly meant for sale.

Kanpur: Expired and Adulterated Goods Seized

In Kanpur, officials carried out coordinated raids across multiple locations. At a wholesale warehouse, they seized nearly 10,000 kg of expired dates worth about ₹50 lakh. Authorities suspect traders repacked the spoiled stock with fresh labels to pass it off as newly imported. Samples have been sent for laboratory testing. In a separate inspection, teams found 675 kg of adulterated khoya, widely used in festive sweets, and destroyed it on the spot. They also confiscated adulterated supari valued at over ₹2 lakh.

Meerut: Action After Viral Video

In Meerut, authorities acted after a viral video flagged suspected irregularities in date packaging. Inspections at wholesale markets, including areas near New Mandi, led to the seizure of misbranded dates that lacked mandatory details such as batch numbers and expiry dates. Officials collected samples for testing and began tracing the supply chain. Mobile food testing labs were also deployed in busy markets to strengthen surveillance and raise awareness.

Heightened Monitoring During the Festive Season

Officials note that demand for dates, khoya, sweets, and dry fruits increases sharply during the festive period. While most businesses follow norms, some attempt to push substandard or improperly labelled goods for quick gains. Teams from the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration continue special enforcement drives, with more inspections planned.

Advisory for Consumers

Authorities urge shoppers to:

• Check expiry and packing dates.
• Verify proper labelling and manufacturer details.
• Avoid damaged or suspicious packaging.
• Report doubtful products immediately.

Officials stress that food safety during festivals requires vigilance from both regulators and consumers.

Source: The Times of India