The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized a combined 3,58,663 kg of food stock worth approximately Rs 9.63 crore across its six district division through two separately recorded enforcement operations between April 1 and September 30. The seizures included 3,35,179 kg of food stock worth Rs 8.26 crore under category-wise enforcement and 23,484 kg of prohibited food products seized during 90 raids, which also led to registration of 88 FIRs. The figures come against the backdrop of the festive season, with Ganeshotsav having recently concluded. Festivals drive up demand for milk, dairy products and sweets, increasing the volume of food items produced, sold and consumed. According to experts, the heightened demand may have contributed to the scale of seizures.

 

The category-wise enforcement report covers 770 food samples. Of these, 448 were found standard, 45 substandard, 34 misbranded and 41 unsafe. Reports on another 202 samples were pending as of September 30, leaving their safety status undetermined. Other food products accounted for the largest quantity seized, at 2,97,174 kg worth Rs 7.55 crore. Of 325 samples in this category, 230 were standard, 27 substandard, 32 misbranded and 32 unsafe, while four reports were pending. Dairy products accounted for 24,914 kg worth Rs 43.98 lakh. Of 151 samples, 50 were standard, 13 substandard and three unsafe, while 85 reports were pending. The FDA also seized 8,107 kg of oil worth Rs 13.60 lakh. Of 98 oil samples, 53 were standard and 45 reports were pending. A total of 4,389 kg of spices worth Rs 11.97 lakh was seized. Of 49 samples, 37 were standard and one was substandard, while 11 reports were pending. In the sweets category, 445 kg worth Rs 76,240 was seized. Of 70 samples, 43 were standard, one substandard, two misbranded and four unsafe; 20 reports were pending. The FDA seized 150 kg of milk worth Rs 7,050. Of 65 milk samples, 27 were standard and three substandard, while 35 reports were pending. No seized stock was recorded in the pulses and legumes category, where both samples awaited reports. In fruits and vegetables, no stock seizure was recorded; eight of the 10 samples were standard and two were unsafe. Krishna Jaipurkar, Joint Commissioner, FDA, Nagpur Division, said the festival enforcement drive still continues and further seizures and action would follow in ongoing Navratri festival and beyond.