Maharashtra FDA outlines precautions for consumers, directions to food business operators amid Deepavali

Ahead of Diwali, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has urged citizens to exercise caution while purchasing sweets, dry fruits, edible oils and festive gift hampers, advising them to verify sellers’ licences, check food labels and avoid products showing signs of adulteration or spoilage.In an advisory issued on Thursday (November 5), the FDA outlined precautions for consumers and issued directions to food business operators to ensure food safety during the festive season, when demand for sweets, khava, ghee, dry fruits and other food products rises.The FDA advised citizens to purchase food only from licensed or registered establishments and verify their credentials through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal or the Food Safety Display Board at shops. Consumers should insist on bills carrying the seller’s FSSAI licence number and remain cautious of unusually cheap sweets, khava, ghee and dry fruits.For sweets and milk-based products, the FDA recommended avoiding unnaturally bright colours and opting for products containing little or no added colour. Consumers should ask sellers when sweets were prepared and how long they can be stored. Milk-based sweets should be purchased in small quantities, refrigerated and consumed within a day or two.The advisory cautioned against consuming sweets that smell sour, feel sticky or show fungal growth. To distinguish genuine silver leaf from aluminium foil, the FDA said silver leaf dissolves when rubbed between the fingers, while aluminium foil rolls into a ball.Consumers were advised to purchase sealed packs of ghee and edible oil bearing FSSAI licence numbers and check dry fruits for fungus, insects, musty odours and artificial gloss.For packaged foods and festive gift hampers, the FDA urged buyers to check expiry dates, FSSAI licence details, vegetarian or non-vegetarian markings and allergen information. Each product inside a hamper should be checked individually. Imported products should carry the importer’s name, address and FSSAI licence number.Those ordering through online or quick-commerce platforms were advised to inspect packaging seals and expiry dates upon delivery, reject spoiled or near-expiry products and ensure perishables arrive chilled.The FDA recommended choosing clean, licensed eateries, consuming freshly cooked food and avoiding uncovered food or items wrapped in newspapers. At home, perishables should be refrigerated, while sweets and fried foods should be consumed in moderation, particularly by people with diabetes or heart disease.Directions to food business operatorsThe FDA directed all food business operators to maintain valid FSSAI licences or registrations, display their credentials prominently and print their 14-digit licence or registration numbers on bills and receipts.Businesses must maintain hygienic premises, ensure food handlers follow cleanliness standards and appoint at least one trained food safety supervisor at every licensed establishment. They must also maintain purchase records and procure raw materials from licensed or registered suppliers.Sweet manufacturers, dairies and farsan producers were instructed to use fresh ingredients, avoid prohibited adulterants and synthetic colours, and maintain proper refrigeration for milk-based products. The FDA prohibited the sale of analogue paneer or vegetable-fat-based products as genuine paneer, khava or ghee without appropriate identification.Retailers and gift hamper sellers were directed to ensure accurate labelling, avoid repackaging loose products without proper authorisation and exclude expired items from hampers.E-commerce platforms must list licensed sellers, ensure their warehouses and dark stores hold valid licences, and deliver food with at least 30% of its shelf life or 45 days before expiry remaining, as prescribed by FSSAI.Hotels, caterers and street food vendors were instructed to maintain hygiene, use safe drinking water and prevent contamination. Food handlers must also follow prescribed safety practices.“Diwali is a festival of joy, and our foremost priority is that every citizen gets safe, standard quality food this festive season,” said Tukaram Mundhe, Commissioner of the Maharashtra FDA.“Adulteration or compromise on quality is not merely a violation of law; it is a compromise with the health of citizens,” he said.Emphasising the administration’s commitment to food safety, Mr. Mundhe added, “Our objective is not to harass food business operators, but to build a culture of food safety and compliance. On public health, there will be absolutely no compromise.”Citizens can report food quality concerns or suspected malpractice through the FDA’s toll-free helpline, 18002223365, or its grievance portal at https://complaints.mahafda.in.