India’s food safety regulator seized 3,280 tonnes of banned and non-compliant food worth Rs 82 crore in a nationwide drive during the festive season. The food included paneer, ghee, milk and sweets.
Key takeaways
- 3,279.57 tonnes of food seized, worth Rs 81.80 crore.
- 56,431 food shops inspected between 1 September and 5 November 2026.
- 52 licences cancelled, 1,133 licences suspended, 314 shops sealed.
- Over 10,000 improvement notices issued to food businesses.
- The drive aimed to stop food adulteration during Diwali and the festive season.
01. What the drive found
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) ran the drive across states and union territories from 1 September to 5 November. It was aimed at stopping adulteration during the festive season, when demand for milk products, sweets and other food rises.
The seized food was described as “banned and non-compliant”. The most common items were paneer, ghee, milk and sweets. FSSAI shared the figures on X on Saturday, 7 November.
02. What action was taken
As well as the seizures, FSSAI cancelled 52 licences and suspended 1,133 licences. It sealed 314 food shops. It also issued more than 10,000 improvement notices to food businesses that failed to meet food safety standards.
People who suspect adulterated food can check a shop’s licence and report it through FSSAI’s Food Safety Connect app.
03. The drive in numbers
| Figure | Number |
|---|---|
| Food seized | 3,279.57 tonnes |
| Value of seized food | Rs 81.80 crore |
| Shops inspected | 56,431 |
| Licences cancelled | 52 |
| Licences suspended | 1,133 |
| Shops sealed | 314 |
| Improvement notices | Over 10,000 |
Sources: The Hindu, PTI, Business Today, Economic Times. Read more India news on Newsy, including our Delhi AQI story.
04. FAQs
How much unsafe food did FSSAI seize?
3,280 tonnes of banned and non-compliant food, worth about Rs 82 crore.
What food was seized?
Mostly paneer, ghee, milk and sweets — the foods people buy most during Diwali.
What can I do if I suspect adulterated food?
Check the shop’s licence and report it through FSSAI’s Food Safety Connect app.
