Pre-Diwali crackdown: 8,800 litres of adulterated ghee seized in a month

With Diwali round the corner, the Food Safety Department has intensified inspections across markets, sweet shops and warehouses to check adulteration in khoya and milk-based sweets.

The department has seized over 8,800 litres of substandard and adulterated ghee in the past month, a senior official confirmed.

Deputy Food Safety Commissioner Ranjeet Singh said large-scale raids were conducted in markets and residential areas, including Raghuvir Nagar in West Delhi district, where around 5,000 kgs of substandard khoya products were seized.

“We have destroyed large quantities of adulterated paneer and khoya. Strict action has been taken against violators,” Singh told The Tribune.

“The department has also written to the Haryana Food and Drugs Administration, seeking action against certain base kitchens of major sweet manufacturers, including Bikanerwala, after receiving complaints about the quality of products,” said Singh.

To strengthen on-ground vigilance, leaves of all staff have been cancelled till Chhath Puja. Four rapid response teams have been constituted since October 13 to act on public complaints. Each team comprises food safety officers, field assistants and district control room officials, with coordination support from sub-divisional magistrates.

“These teams can reach any reported location within 25 minutes,” Singh said.

According to senior officials, a temporary food safety helpline has been set up to allow consumers to report violations directly. Complaints related to expired products, mislabeling and unhygienic practices can also be registered through this channel.

Officials said: “The department will conduct spot checks at major retail and e-commerce platforms, including Instamart, Blinkit and Amazon warehouses, to ensure compliance with food safety and labeling norms”. Singh said teams would engage with these companies to improve hygiene and prevent malpractices such as selling products with expired labels.

During surprise inspections on October 1, officials collected 11 legal samples and 9 survey samples of khoya for testing at the Lawrence Road laboratory. The results, expected within 14 days, are still awaited, according to officials familiar with the matter.

To increase public awareness, the department has launched a “Food Safety on Wheels” campaign since October 15. The mobile laboratory is being used to test food samples on the spot and train vendors and consumers on identifying adulterated products.

“We are focusing on training, testing and awareness among the public. People should check for FSSAI licence number and manufacturing and expiry dates before purchasing sweets,” Singh said.

The department has appealed to consumers to remain alert during the festive season and report any suspicious products or unhygienic practices to their nearest district food safety office or through the helpline.