The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has concluded a significant festive-season inspection drive, seizing approximately 3,280 tonnes of banned and non-compliant food products nationwide. The confiscated items, which included paneer, ghee, milk, and various sweets, are valued at an estimated ₹82 crore.
This extensive operation, initiated on September 1, aimed to prevent food adulteration and safeguard consumer health during the high-demand Diwali festive period. Authorities inspected over 56,400 food establishments across the country.
Strict Enforcement Actions Taken
As part of the rigorous checks, FSSAI implemented a range of enforcement actions:
- License Cancellations: 52 food business licenses were permanently revoked.
- License Suspensions: More than 1,100 licenses were temporarily suspended due to various food safety violations.
- Establishment Seals: Over 300 food businesses were sealed, preventing further operation.
- Improvement Notices: More than 10,000 improvement notices were issued to operators who failed to meet prescribed food safety standards, mandating corrective actions.
The seized products predominantly consisted of items for which demand surges during festivals, such as dairy products and confectioneries, which are particularly susceptible to adulteration.
Specific Cases Highlight Violations
The nationwide FSSAI food safety crackdown also brought to light several specific instances of non-compliance:
Wai Wai Noodles Manufacturer Cited
In Ajmer, FSSAI officials took action against CG Foods India, the producer of Wai Wai noodles. Over 32,000 kg of stock was seized, and production of certain Veg Bhujia products was halted due to alleged hygiene and licensing breaches at the manufacturing unit.
Delhi Hotel Faces Suspension
In Delhi, the license of Seven Seas Hospitality Pvt Ltd, associated with Hotel Seven Seas in Rohini, was suspended following an inspection. Investigators discovered issues including fungus-covered vegetables, rotten food items, and the use of blackened cooking oil. Approximately 74 kg/liters of non-compliant food were destroyed on site.
Maharashtra Targets Quick-Commerce Suppliers
Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also participated in special inspection drives, focusing on food businesses linked to quick-commerce companies like Blink Commerce Pvt Ltd (Blinkit) and Zepto Ltd. This initiative resulted in the suspension of 105 food business licenses, the seizure of food products worth ₹1.35 crore, and orders for seven establishments to cease operations.
Separately, the Maharashtra FDA suspended a super-distributor's license after seizing food articles exceeding ₹9 crore in value, including Patanjali cow ghee, over suspected misbranding and adulteration. This action specifically targeted the distributor, not Patanjali itself.
The FSSAI reiterated that the ongoing drive underscores its commitment to preventing food adulteration and ensuring the safety and quality of food available to consumers, especially during peak festive seasons.