New Delhi, February 23: With the Holi festival approaching, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has directed state food commissioners to ramp up surveillance and take strict enforcement action against adulteration in milk products and edible oils.
Surge in Festive Demand Raises Adulteration Risks
In a communication to state authorities, FSSAI noted that the demand for sweets, snacks, edible oils, and milk-based products such as ghee, khoa, and paneer typically witnesses a sharp rise during Holi.The regulator said that this spike in consumption creates economic incentives for adulteration, increasing the risk of unsafe and substandard food products entering the market.
Focus on Milk, Sweets, Namkeen and Edible Oils
FSSAI has emphasized the need for heightened surveillance and enforcement measures to prevent the circulation of adulterated food items during the festive season.The anti-adulteration focus areas include:
- Milk and milk products including ghee, khoa and paneer
- Sweets
- Snacks and savouries such as namkeen
- Papad and fryums
- Edible oils and ghee
- Cereal and cereal-based products
Holi Anti-Adulteration Drive 2026
The regulator has asked state food commissioners to instruct enforcement officials to carry out inspections and collect samples under the “Holi Anti-Adulteration Drive 2026” during the festive period.According to FSSAI, these special drives should concentrate on identified hotspots and sensitive locations to ensure that adulterated and unsafe food products do not reach consumers.
The move comes as part of preventive regulatory measures aimed at safeguarding public health during periods of high festive demand.
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