As markets fill up with sweets, dry fruits and festive hampers ahead of Diwali, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has urged consumers to exercise caution while purchasing food items. The department has issued a detailed advisory outlining ways to identify possible adulteration, check product quality and ensure that festive celebrations do not come at the cost of food safety.
A simple test suggested by the FDA can help buyers distinguish genuine silver leaf from aluminium foil used as decoration on sweets. When rubbed between the fingers, genuine silver leaf dissolves, while aluminium foil crumples and forms a small ball. Consumers have been encouraged to use this check while purchasing mithai, particularly during the festive season when demand for such products increases significantly.
The advisory, issued on November 5, also warns against buying food products at unusually low prices or those displaying suspicious changes in colour, smell or texture.
What consumers should check before buying sweets
The FDA has asked customers to purchase mithai only from food establishments holding valid licences or registrations. The seller’s credentials can be verified through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal or the Food Safety Display Board available at the premises. Consumers should also obtain purchase bills mentioning the shop’s FSSAI licence number.
Sweets with excessively bright or unnatural colours should be avoided. Buyers are advised to ask vendors about the date of preparation and the period for which the products can safely be stored.
Milk-based preparations require particular attention as they are perishable. The FDA recommends purchasing them in smaller quantities, keeping them refrigerated and consuming them within one or two days. Any sweet with an unusual sour smell, excessive stickiness or visible fungal growth should not be consumed.
The department has also advised people to be wary of unusually inexpensive khava and ghee. While purchasing dry fruits, customers should look for signs of fungus, insect infestation, musty odours or artificial polishing. Packaged ghee and edible oils should be purchased only in sealed containers carrying the necessary FSSAI details.
Don’t overlook labels on Diwali gift boxes
Festive hampers often contain several food products, and the FDA has cautioned consumers against relying solely on the appearance of the outer box. Every item inside a hamper must be checked separately for its expiry date, FSSAI licence details, vegetarian or non-vegetarian symbol and allergen information.
Imported food products must carry details of the importer, including the name, address and FSSAI licence number. Consumers ordering groceries and festive food items through online shopping or quick-commerce platforms should examine the seals and expiry dates upon delivery.
The FDA has specifically advised customers to reject damaged, spoiled or near-expiry products. Items requiring refrigeration must also be delivered in properly chilled conditions.
Strict instructions for sweet shops and manufacturers
The advisory also places responsibility on food businesses to maintain quality throughout the festive period. Sweet manufacturers, dairies and farsan producers have been directed to use fresh raw materials, avoid prohibited adulterants and synthetic colours, and follow appropriate refrigeration practices.
The department has prohibited businesses from marketing analogue paneer or vegetable-fat-based products as genuine paneer, khava or ghee without clearly disclosing their actual composition.
Food operators must display valid FSSAI licences, maintain hygienic premises, employ trained food safety supervisors and purchase ingredients from authorised suppliers.
FDA Commissioner stresses public health
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the department’s priority was to ensure that people had access to safe and standard-quality food during the festive season.
He stated that food adulteration was not simply a violation of regulations but also a threat to public health. Mundhe added that the FDA’s objective was to encourage food businesses to follow safety standards rather than harass operators, while making it clear that there would be no compromise on public health.
Where to complain about adulterated food
Consumers can report suspected adulteration or unsafe food products through the Maharashtra FDA’s toll-free helpline at 18002223365. Complaints can also be registered online at https://complaints.mahafda.in.