Haldiram's under scanner as Lucknow officials seize 112 kg expired sweets worth Rs. 56 Lakh ahead of Holi; over 10,000+ kg adulterated items

Ahead of Holi, the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) launched an intensive enforcement drive across Lucknow, cracking down on adulterated and expired food items, including products linked to popular sweets brand Haldiram's.

Expired sweets seized at warehouse

During a raid at a storage facility in Faizullaganj, officials recovered 112 kg of expired sweets from a warehouse reportedly associated with Haldiram’s. The inspection team destroyed expired stocks of soan papdi and rajbhog on the spot. Samples of assorted peda, rasgulla, gulab jamun, petha and gujiya were collected, sealed and sent for laboratory testing.

According to officials, the action was part of a wider pre-Holi surveillance campaign aimed at preventing the sale of substandard sweets and dairy products, which see a sharp spike in demand during the festive and wedding season.

Over 10,000 kg of suspected adulterated items seized

In a broader sweep across the city, the department seized 10,415 kg of suspected adulterated spices and khoya, collectively valued at approximately Rs 55.91 lakh.

At Aishbagh Cold Storage, authorities confiscated 8,499 kg of black pepper and 378 kg of khoya due to concerns about quality and compliance. Fifteen samples of various food items have been sent to accredited laboratories for detailed analysis.

In a separate inspection at Globe Cafe in the Metropolitan area, officials collected samples of paneer and gujiya. Around 112 kg of food items, estimated to be worth Rs 45,000, were destroyed on the premises for failing to meet safety standards.

Festival-linked enforcement

Food Safety Department officials said the special drive was launched in view of the upcoming Holi festival and the ongoing wedding season, when the risk of food adulteration typically rises due to high demand for sweets, milk products and spices.

Authorities clarified that further legal action against the establishments concerned, including possible penalties and prosecution under the Food Safety and Standards Act, will depend on the outcome of laboratory reports.

The FSDA has urged consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of food adulteration, reiterating its commitment to ensuring the availability of safe, high-quality food products during the festive period.

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