Expired Dates Uncovered
In a concerning pre-festival raid in Kanpur, food safety officials stumbled upon an enormous quantity of expired dates, totaling approximately 10,000 kg
and valued at around ₹50 lakh. This spoiled produce was allegedly being repackaged with fresh labeling, attempting to deceive consumers into believing it was newly imported. The seized dates have been dispatched for laboratory analysis to confirm the extent of contamination and the suspected violations. Authorities have indicated that stringent legal actions will be pursued if the test results corroborate the findings of expired and potentially harmful food being prepared for market distribution during a period of heightened consumer demand. The discovery underscores a disturbing trend where unscrupulous traders may exploit festive periods for illicit profits at the expense of public health and safety.
Adulterated Sweets & Supari
The crackdown didn't stop with expired dates. At a separate location, inspectors discovered a substantial amount of adulterated khoya, approximately 675 kg. Khoya is a crucial ingredient for many traditional Indian sweets, particularly popular during festivals. Recognizing the immediate risk, this entire batch was promptly destroyed by the authorities. In addition to the khoya, raids also uncovered adulterated supari, with seized quantities valued at over ₹2 lakh. This component, often used as a mouth freshener or in betel leaf preparations, also met the same fate as the adulterated khoya, being confiscated and destroyed to prevent its entry into the market. These discoveries point to a wider network of food adulteration operations targeting popular festive consumables.
Festive Season Danger
The timing of these discoveries is particularly alarming, coinciding with the ongoing Ramadan celebrations and the commencement of Holi shopping. Food demand typically surges during these festive periods, creating an opportune environment for traders looking to capitalize on the rush by distributing substandard or expired food items. Teams from the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration executed coordinated inspections across various parts of Kanpur as part of an intensified campaign against food adulteration. Further inspections are anticipated in the upcoming days, signaling a proactive stance against such malpractices. Consumers are strongly advised to exercise caution, meticulously checking expiry dates and scrutinizing product packaging for any signs of tampering or abnormality. Reporting any suspicious food products to the authorities is crucial to safeguard public health during these celebratory times.
