Kanpur

The Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration, in coordination with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, has launched an intensive drive against food adulteration in Kanpur ahead of the festive season, leading to the seizure of large quantities of contaminated food products.

According to an official statement, enforcement teams seized 13,972 litres of adulterated oil and 1,350 kg of coloured waste during raids conducted across the city. Officials also busted a fake ghee manufacturing unit in the Kalyanpur area, seizing goods worth ₹5.45 lakh. All collected samples have been sent to laboratories for further examination.

The crackdown, aimed at ensuring food safety during the upcoming festival period, included surprise inspections of food outlets, cold storage facilities and dairies. During the operation, authorities seized 1,320 kg of dates and 1,418 kg of coloured kachri suspected to be unfit for consumption.

Action was taken at Swaroop Cold Storage in Aishbagh, while inspections were also carried out at Himalayan Cold Storage on Ayodhya Road. Raids were conducted at dairies located in the Havetmau area along Rae Bareli Road, and samples were lifted from several sweet shops. Food items were also seized from a businessman’s warehouse in Aminabad.

Officials said similar enforcement drives are being conducted in Lucknow during Ramadan and Holi, with strict action continuing against food adulteration.

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Meanwhile, the FSSAI recently launched a comprehensive online training programme on food safety risk assessment to strengthen India’s science-based food regulatory framework. The initiative includes a dedicated digital training portal aligned with international risk analysis standards while addressing India’s regulatory needs.