- By Akansha Pandey
- Tue, 07 Oct 2025 04:30 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
As Diwali approaches, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has issued a warning to consumers to avoid sweets containing excessive artificial colouring, as they can lead to illness. Ongoing investigations by the department reveal that many sweet shops are compromising on quality, using substandard ingredients and flouting Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) norms.
A recent raid at Radhe Udyog in Kakori found that sweets were being prepared with harmful chemicals. Out of twenty samples collected from the facility, five were classified as "unsafe," posing a severe health risk. Health officials warn that regular consumption of such adulterated sweets can cause serious liver disease.
Vijay Pratap Singh, Assistant Commissioner of the FSDA, advises citizens to purchase food items only from reputable establishments. "If you are buying from elsewhere, be sure to check that the sweet does not have excessive colouring," he stated. "A simple test is to touch the sweet with wet cotton wool. If artificial colour has been used, it will immediately transfer to the cotton."
The FSDA will be conducting inspections of food establishments to ensure compliance with safety standards during the festive period.
FSSAI Guidelines For Food Establishments
To ensure public health, all food businesses must adhere to the following FSSAI standards:
Hygiene: The kitchen and food preparation areas must be kept clean and hygienic at all times.
Employee Health: Staff must wear clean clothes, have access to full hand-washing facilities, and undergo mandatory medical examinations. Any employee with an infection is strictly prohibited from preparing or serving food.
Food Storage: Vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items must be stored separately. Similarly, raw and cooked foods must not be kept together. Proper refrigeration temperatures must be maintained to prevent spoilage.
Product Quality: The use of stale or expired products is strictly forbidden. Such items should not be stored in the kitchen under any circumstances.
Quality Control: Food business owners are encouraged to have their food items regularly tested in a lab to maintain quality standards.