Lucknow, Nov 2026 : The Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (UPFSDA) has launched a statewide inspection drive ahead of Diwali to ensure that consumers get pure, safe and quality sweets during the festive season. Under its ‘Shuddh Hi Shubh Hai’ campaign, the department carried out simultaneous inspections across all divisions, focusing particularly on temporary sweet manufacturing units that become operational mainly during festivals.
The campaign resulted in the destruction of around 50 quintals of contaminated sweets and the seizure of 49 quintals of suspected food products, with a combined estimated value of Rs 22.50 lakh. The licences of nine establishments were suspended over serious violations, while another unit operating without a licence was ordered to shut down.
According to the department, a total of 379 food establishments were inspected and 373 samples collected during the drive. Officials also issued 211 improvement notices to establishments where irregularities were detected.
The action against the nine establishments was taken following serious deficiencies relating to hygiene, sanitation and food safety. The department also initiated legal proceedings against the operator of an unlicensed manufacturing unit.
Inter-district teams deployed for inspections
To ensure impartial inspections and effective enforcement, the UPFSDA adopted a special inter-district inspection mechanism. Teams comprising officials from different districts were deployed across divisions to conduct simultaneous inspections in neighbouring districts.
The inspections covered not only the quality of finished sweets but also the entire manufacturing process. Officials examined the cleanliness and sanitation of production units, storage of raw materials and finished products, quality of edible colours and oils, possibility of adulteration, shelf life of sweets, purity of drinking water, hygiene standards followed by food handlers, licences, records and packaging practices.
Several units were found manufacturing sweets under highly unhygienic conditions, with dirt and insects present on their premises. Improper storage of raw materials and the use of ingredients that did not meet prescribed quality standards were also reported.
Five units in Sambhal face action
In Sambhal district, the licences of five rasgulla manufacturing units were suspended following serious violations involving hygiene and storage practices. The establishments were Sattar Rasgulla Manufacturing Unit, Jogendra Rasgulla Factory, Irfan Rasgulla, Tahzeeb Rasgulla and Sane Alam Rasgulla. Their food business operations were ordered to stop.
In Shamli, action was initiated against the Jakhira Battisa manufacturing factory after inspectors reportedly detected the presence of a chemical called Cepholight, which is not permitted for use in food products. Unsanitary conditions were also found on the premises.
In Bulandshahr, the licences of Bandhan Sweets and Rama Sweets were suspended following serious deficiencies in hygiene and storage arrangements.
Action in Lucknow
During inspections in the Lucknow division, officials found food products being manufactured amid excessive dirt and the presence of insects at Jai Shri Durga Grih Udyog in Narpatkheda, Para. The establishment was ordered to stop operations.
Another unit, Aakriti Grih Udyog, located in Patoli, Baniyakheda, Kakori, was found operating without a valid licence. Its operations were also stopped, and proceedings have been initiated against the operator before the competent court.
Focus on consumer safety
The department said approximately 50 quintals of contaminated sweets, valued at Rs 11 lakh, were destroyed. Another 49 quintals of suspected food products, worth around Rs 11.50 lakh, were seized.
The UPFSDA Commissioner has instructed officials not to unnecessarily harass small and retail food vendors in the name of inspections. The department said enforcement action should focus on genuine violations and establishments that disregard food safety standards.
The administration has reiterated that consumer health remains its top priority and that businesses compromising food quality for profit will not be given any exemption.
