'Intensify Surveillance Of Sweets Production To Curb Adulteration': FSSAI Directs Officers Ahead Of Diwali

State food safety inspectors have been ordered to investigate the stores and collect samples for quality control.

To combat adulteration of sweets during the Diwali season, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked its 4,000-plus state-level officials to increase monitoring of sweet sellers and producers across the nation, news agency PTI reported. Milk is the most widely contaminated foodstuff in India, and most sweets are produced with dairy. "Usually, consumption of sweets goes up during Diwali festival. We have directed our officers in the states and Union territories to intensify the surveillance of sweets to check on adulteration," FSSAI CEO G Kamala Vardhana Rao informed reporters on the margins of the Eat Right Summit.

State food safety inspectors have been ordered to investigate the stores and collect samples for quality control. He also stated that they have been directed to take action against those who have been found to be in violation of quality standards.

Meanwhile, the FSSAI has raised the amount of surveillance samples this year to 1 lakh, which would be increased to 7 lakh next year, he said.

Rao said that a countrywide study is being conducted by the countrywide Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and the Quality Council of India to assess the quality of milk and milk products.

He noted that the survey, which would gather around 10,000 samples, will be concluded in a month.

Adulteration Of Sweets

Milk, ghee, and dried fruits are some of the most significant components used in the preparation of sweets. Many sellers use additives in their palm oil and substitute it with ghee. Condensed milk is made with synthetic milk. Furthermore, toxic ingredients such as detergents, caustic soda, and urea are utilised by merchants to increase quantity at a low cost. 

Sweets contain a variety of hues. So, avoid buying brightly coloured candies. Take a look at the colourful sweets in your palm. If there is no colour in the hand, there is no colour adulteration. 

The majority of sweets feature vark (silver coating), however vendors are replacing vark with aluminium foil. It can cause significant stomach illnesses if consumed. If the top of the mithai comes into contact with your finger, it is most likely a forgery.