With assembly elections nearing in Maharashtra, most Food Drugs Administration (FDA) officers and employees are busy with election work, leaving the department struggling to ensure citizens consume safe and unadulterated food. FDA’s annual drive to inspect food products for adulteration during Diwali has been severely impacted due to manpower shortages.
Diwali, the festival of lights, is a peak time for food adulteration. Every year, we get to read in the news about the adulteration of Sweets, khowa, paneer, ghee, and edible oil by the suppliers by risking the health of people to earn more profit by tampering the quality of these products. The FDA typically conducts rigorous inspections to prevent such malpractices. However, this year’s election duties have compromised the department’s efforts.
To protect themselves, consumers should be vigilant. “Check batch numbers, lot numbers, expiration dates, production dates, food registration numbers, and food license numbers,” advised an FDA official. “Avoid buying products lacking this information. Finish sweets quickly, ensure they’re fresh and healthy, and obtain payment receipts from sellers.”
Citizens can report quality complaints to the toll-free number 1800222365. The FDA urges consumers to report any suspicious activities. “We are trying our best to manage both election work and anti-adulteration efforts,” said the official. “But it’s challenging.”
As Diwali celebrations begin, citizens are advised to remain vigilant and prioritize food safety. For more information on food safety during Diwali, visit the FDA website or consult local health authorities. Stay safe, stay informed.
The FDA’s reduced capacity to inspect food products has raised concerns about the effectiveness of their anti-adulteration drive. With elections taking center stage, citizens must take extra precautions to ensure their safety.
