Telangana raids 95 sweet shops, seizes over 100 kg of adulterated food ahead of Diwali

Statewide food safety raids expose use of banned colours, adulterated ghee, and poor hygiene in sweet shops

October 19, 2025

Diwali food safety raids: Telangana seizes 100 kg adulterated sweets

Officials urge consumers to stay alert and buy sweets only from licensed, hygienic outlets

In a major pre-Diwali enforcement drive, Telangana’s Food Safety teams launched a statewide crackdown on sweet manufacturing units and retail outlets, uncovering widespread hygiene lapses and adulteration across all 33 districts.

The inspections, conducted under the #FoodSafetyTelangana initiative and aligned with the national #EatRightIndia campaign, revealed rampant use of banned ingredients, poor sanitation practices, and expired food products being sold ahead of the festive season.

Out of 95 sweet units inspected, several were found violating key food safety norms. Officials reported the persistent use of synthetic food colours in milk-based sweets such as jalebi, laddus, and khoya items — a direct breach of FSSAI regulations. Inspectors also detected adulterated ghee, reused cooking oil, and the use of non-food-grade silver foil, compounding the risk of contamination.

Retail outlets fared no better, with many found stocking unlabelled or expired products. Authorities seized more than 60 kg of sweets, 40 kg of bread, and other adulterated items.

Contaminated sweets were destroyed on-site, and several establishments operating under unhygienic conditions were served improvement notices.

As part of the intensive festive drive, Food Safety teams collected 77 enforcement samples and 157 surveillance samples, all sent to the Food Testing Laboratory for detailed analysis.

Spot testing was also conducted using Food Safety on Wheels vehicles, enabling immediate feedback on product quality. Laboratory results are awaited.

Following the operation, officials issued a strong consumer advisory urging the public to exercise caution while buying sweets, milk, and milk-based products during Diwali.

Authorities have advised consumers to:
• Purchase from licensed and hygienic outlets displaying valid FSSAI registration numbers.
• Avoid sweets that appear excessively bright or are covered with non-food-grade silver foil.
• Insist on proper packaging and check the Date of Manufacture and Best Before labels.
• Steer clear of products that look stale or have an unusual odour.

The state’s food safety department said the ongoing inspections aim to ensure safe, unadulterated food for consumers during the festive season, as part of its commitment to making Telangana a “Food Safe State.”

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