- By Akansha Pandey
- Wed, 15 Oct 2025 12:02 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
In a major crackdown ahead of the festival season, the Food Safety and Drug Administration in Gorakhpur has uncovered alarming adulteration practices in sweets and other food items, urging the public to exercise caution. Officials are warning that unnaturally shiny sweets, tempting to consumers, could pose severe health risks, including cancer.
Dangerous Chemicals Found In Sweets
During a raid on Tuesday at Shubham Gupta's shop in Miyan Bazar, a team led by Assistant Commissioner Dr Sudhir Kumar Singh discovered that sweets were being adulterated with hazardous substances. An investigation into the unnatural shine on toy-shaped sweets (khilaunewali mithai) and sugar drops (batasha) revealed the use of bleaching powder, detergent powder, and talcum powder to enhance their whiteness and appeal. The team immediately had 50 kilograms of toy-shaped sweets and 20 kilograms of sugar drops destroyed.
Dr Singh explained that consuming these chemicals can lead to intestinal ulcers and, with prolonged exposure, cancer. He noted that these dangerous adulterants are sold by vendors under the deceptive name "sweet powder". He strongly advised the public to avoid purchasing sweets that appear excessively white or unnaturally glossy and to buy food products only from registered and hygienic establishments.
In a related action in the Gorakhnath area, the team inspected the JMD brand savory snack (namkeen) warehouse and ordered the destruction of 300 kilograms of snacks. This followed the destruction of 100 kilograms of spoiled oil at the same location on Monday.
Paneer Seller Resists Registration
Officials also faced resistance while conducting a registration drive at Shastri Chowk. A paneer seller, identified as Dharmendra Kumar, became agitated when the team asked him to register his business. He initially refused and provided someone else's Aadhaar card. Dr Sudhir Kumar acted firmly, taking a sample of the paneer and insisting on proper registration. The confrontation drew a crowd, and the vendor eventually complied. Dr Singh reiterated that selling food items without registration is illegal, and strict action will be taken against violators.
Adulterated Khowa Resurfaces Despite Promises
The crackdown also revealed that despite a pledge made by traders at the khowa (milk solids) market after the last Holi festival to stop selling adulterated products, large quantities of tainted khowa have returned to the market for Diwali. Dr Singh confirmed that all recently seized khowa was destined for this market and stated that officials will re-engage with the traders to enforce purity standards and protect public health.
In a significant seizure on Monday, 14 quintals (1400 kg) of khowa that arrived on a luxury bus and the Humsafar Express train remains unclaimed. After the seizure, some traders visited the department's office but left when told that samples would be taken before the product could be released.
On Tuesday, a person from Kanpur claimed ownership but also left after officials insisted on taking multiple samples corresponding to the various consignments. Dr Singh stated that if no one comes forward to claim the khowa under the proper procedure, it will be destroyed.
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