As the festive season approaches and demand for sweets, savories, and dairy products like ghee, khoya, and paneer surges, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated a Special Festive Season Drive to ensure food safety across the country. This drive comes in response to the increased economic motivation to adulterate food products during high-demand periods.

FSSAI has directed all State and Union Territory Food Safety Commissioners, Central Licensing Authorities, and Regional Directors to enhance surveillance and enforcement activities, particularly focusing on the manufacturing and sale of these high-demand products. This initiative is designed to curb food adulteration practices and safeguard public health.

Key actions include:

• Frequent enforcement and surveillance drives led by Food Safety Officers and Designated Officers in areas prone to food adulteration.

• Deployment of Food Safety on Wheels (FSW) in prominent markets to conduct on-the-spot testing of sweets, savories, and milk products.

• Special attention to high-risk locations based on intelligence reports to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

FSSAI has emphasized the critical importance of these measures to ensure that food consumed during the festive season is safe and of high quality. This drive is part of FSSAI's broader effort to maintain food safety and prevent public health risks during periods of increased consumption.

The authority urges all stakeholders to cooperate and comply with the guidelines. The enforcement activities are crucial for maintaining trust in the food supply chain and protecting consumers during this festive season.