A Nationwide Check on Festive Foods
India's food safety regulator, FSSAI, along with state authorities, has significantly ramped up its vigilance. During the 2025-26 period, a record 5.2 lakh inspections were conducted across the country. This intensified effort targets the seasonal surge
in demand for items like milk, khoya, paneer, ghee, and sweets, which are particularly vulnerable to adulteration. Unscrupulous producers sometimes use the festive rush as an opportunity to cut corners by adding cheaper substitutes or non-permitted substances to maximize profits, posing a risk to public health. These nationwide drives focus on market hotspots, sweet shops, and manufacturing units to ensure the food sold meets regulatory standards.
The Key Difference: Unsafe vs. Sub-Standard
The headline's mention of not treating every non-conforming sample as unsafe points to a critical legal distinction in the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. A food sample is classified as 'unsafe' if it is actively injurious to health. This includes products containing poisonous substances, harmful additives, or those prepared under unhygienic conditions. On the other hand, 'sub-standard' food is a product that fails to meet certain quality standards but is not necessarily harmful. For example, a sweet might have a lower fat content than what's specified for 'khoya barfi' or use a permitted colour beyond its prescribed limit. While this violates quality norms and is penalised, it doesn't automatically render the food a direct health threat. This distinction allows regulators to apply proportionate penalties, from fines for sub-standard items to severe criminal action for unsafe ones.
What Kind of Adulteration is Common?
During the festive season, adulteration often targets high-demand dairy products. Khoya and paneer may be mixed with starch, paper, or even detergents to increase volume. Ghee is sometimes adulterated with cheaper vegetable oils. In sweets, one of the most common issues is the use of non-permitted or low-quality artificial colours to make them look more appealing. Another frequent malpractice is the replacement of the delicate, edible silver foil (vark) with lookalike aluminium foil, which is a health hazard. These adulterants not only cheat consumers but can lead to health issues ranging from stomach upsets to more serious long-term conditions.
How You Can Be a Smart Consumer
While regulatory bodies conduct checks, consumer awareness is the first line of defence. The FSSAI advises consumers to take a few simple precautions during the festive season. Firstly, try to buy sweets and other products from licensed and reputable vendors. When buying packaged goods, always check for the FSSAI license number, a clear list of ingredients, and the expiry date. Be wary of sweets that have an unnaturally bright colour, as this could indicate the use of non-permitted dyes. Whenever possible, demanding a bill for your purchase can also be crucial, as it serves as proof if an issue arises later. For extra assurance, some cities deploy 'Food Safety on Wheels' vans in major markets, which can conduct on-the-spot tests for common adulterants.
