UP govt launches statewide crackdown on adulterated food ahead of Diwali

Under the Chief Minister’s directives, the Food Safety and Drug Administration is conducting a special Diwali campaign from October 8–17 across Uttar Pradesh to check adulteration, production or sale of counterfeit products.

So far, the initiative has carried out 4,621 inspections, 2,085 raids, and tested 2,853 food samples, resulting in the seizure of 2,993 quintals of adulterated and unsafe food, valued at Rs 3.88 crore.

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Of these, 1,155 quintals – worth Rs 1.75 crore – were destroyed for being unfit for consumption. The campaign has also led to the registration of three FIRs under the Indian Penal Code 2023 in Unnao, Mathura, and Lucknow.

Dr Roshan Jacob, Secretary of Food Safety and Drug Administration, said here on Wednesday the campaign underscores the state government’s commitment to safe, clean, and enjoyable festivals. “Perishable items are seized and destroyed on the spot to protect public health. There will be no compromise on citizens’ safety during festivals,” he added.

Under the special Diwali campaign, significant actions are being taken across multiple districts in Uttar Pradesh.

In Unnao, 215 kg of khoya was seized and destroyed, with an FIR registered and samples collected. In Mathura, 400 kg of adulterated paneer was destroyed, while in Lucknow, 802 kg of khoya was destroyed. Jhansi saw 1,200 kg of khoya seized, and in Hathras, 790 kg of adulterated pickles were seized along with 3,000 kg of spoiled pickles destroyed. Large quantities of adulterated items worth lakhs were also destroyed in Agra, Aligarh, Ghaziabad, Muzaffarnagar and other parts of the state.

The campaign extended to toll plazas and highways, resulting in significant seizures. The state government has appealed to citizens to report any adulteration, production or sale of counterfeit products, or organized adulteration operations. Confidential reports can be submitted to the Food Safety and Drug Administration via a special helpline or WhatsApp numbers:

Toll-free number: 1800-180-5533
WhatsApp for adulterated or counterfeit food: 9793429747
WhatsApp for fake or substandard medicines: 8756128434

The government assured that all complaints will remain confidential and strict action will be taken against offenders.