Key Development 

The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) of Uttar Pradesh has revealed shocking levels of adulteration in Kanpur’s food supply. Nearly half of the samples collected across the district failed to meet safety standards, exposing the rampant use of harmful chemicals, artificial colours, and substandard ingredients in everyday foods. The FSDA tested 1,324 food samples during 2024–25. Of these, 707 samples failed quality checks—608 were substandard, while 82 were declared unfit for human consumption.

District Magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh, who reviewed the report during a food safety committee meeting, directed officials to take strict action based on the findings. He expressed concern over the scale of violations and called for accountability across the department.

Food Safety Officers Pulled Up for Lapses

The meeting exposed serious lapses in departmental functioning. Out of 25 food safety officers posted in Kanpur, 20 failed to submit their annual work reports. The DM ordered the names of the five poorest-performing officers to be forwarded for possible disciplinary action Officials reported dismal fine recovery despite widespread violations. Of the ₹1.03 crore in penalties imposed, only ₹13.52 lakh was collected. Recovery certificates worth ₹72.90 lakh were issued in 152 cases, but just ₹2.25 lakh was recovered. The DM reprimanded officials for their inaction and warned of consequences for negligence.

FSDA Finds Widespread Use of Unsafe Ingredients

The report listed alarming violations—use of Chinese salt (Ajinomoto) in fast food, substandard chutneys served with momos and fries, and excessive use of artificial food colours. It also found that vendors were ripening fruits with hazardous chemicals, posing severe health risks to consumers.

Crackdown Ordered to Strengthen Enforcement

Officials admitted that staff shortages and weak enforcement have allowed unsafe practices to continue unchecked. The DM ordered a comprehensive crackdown to strengthen food safety monitoring and warned that negligence would attract strict disciplinary measures.

Source: Hindustan Times