FDA seizes 16 tonnes of jaggery, 20 tonnes of sugar intended for adulteration, and 68 kg of fried green peas laced with artificial colours

Pune: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unit in the city has seized 16 tonnes of jaggery, 20 tonnes of sugar intended for adulteration, and 68 kg of fried green peas laced with artificial colours.FDA officials said sugar is classified as an adulterant in jaggery because it deceives consumers, particularly diabetics, who switch to jaggery as a healthier alternative. Digambar Bhogawade, joint commissioner (food), FDA Pune Division, said, “We have conducted multiple raids over the past few days, uncovering tons of adulterated items. In addition to sugar, artificial colours were being added to the jaggery to enhance its appearance. This produce was slated for distribution in Pune and Mumbai.” The total value of the seized jaggery and sugar is estimated at Rs17.79 lakh.In a separate raid at a store in Narhe, officials seized 68 kg of fried green peas, valued at Rs7,480. The snacks were treated with artificial green dye to make them more visually appealing. Health experts warned that such dyes can have long-term adverse effects on the health of both children and adults.The enforcement drive extended to Ambegaon taluka, where the FDA seized 19,886 kg of flour, including maida and besan, worth Rs10.49 lakh, on suspicion of adulteration. Officials also confiscated 1,898 kg of areca nuts from a warehouse owner for hoarding without a valid licence, along with banned gutka and pan masala worth Rs30,000 from Khed and Ambegaon talukas.“We have issued stop-work notices to three establishments for operating without licences and maintaining unhygienic storage conditions,” Bhogawade added. “All collected samples have been sent for laboratory testing, and further legal action will be taken based on the results.”The FDA has urged citizens to remain vigilant. If anyone has information regarding food adulteration or illegal storage facilities, they can to report it to the FDA helpline at 1800-222-365.