The enforcement drive saw teams inspecting 95 sweet manufacturing units, lifting 77 enforcement samples and 157 surveillance samples for laboratory analysis.
Published Oct 19, 2025 | 11:24 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 19, 2025 | 11:24 AM
Telangana food safety teams found manufacturers using banned synthetic colours in popular milk-based sweets.
Synopsis: The Telangana food safety department discovered synthetic food colours, adulterated ghee, and reused cooking oil in sweet manufacturing units across the state during a major pre-Diwali crackdown.
Synthetic food colours, adulterated ghee, and reused cooking oil have been discovered in sweet manufacturing units across Telangana during a major pre-Diwali crackdown by the food safety department, prompting authorities to seize over 100 kg of contaminated products.
The alarming findings emerged from statewide inspections covering all 33 districts, where food safety teams found manufacturers using banned synthetic colours in popular milk-based sweets, including jalebis, laddus, and khoya items. Officials also uncovered widespread use of adulterated ghee and recycled cooking oil in sweet preparation—practices that pose serious health risks during the festive season.
“We have identified serious violations, including the use of synthetic food colours in milk-based sweets such as jalebis, laddus, and khoya items,” said the Food Safety Department in an official statement. “Non-food grade silver foils, poor hygiene in manufacturing units, adulterated ghee, and reused cooking oil in sweet preparation were also found.”
The enforcement drive saw teams inspecting 95 sweet manufacturing units, lifting 77 enforcement samples and 157 surveillance samples for laboratory analysis. Where available, Food Safety on Wheels mobile units conducted spot testing at retail outlets and manufacturing facilities.
The operation resulted in the seizure of over 60 kg of sweets and 40 kg of bread products. “Improvement notices have been issued for unhygienic premises, and contaminated or colour-infused sweets were discarded on site,” the department confirmed. “All samples have been sent to Food Testing Laboratories for immediate analysis, and results are currently being processed.”
Officials also discovered unlabelled and expired food products at several retail outlets during the inspections, highlighting systemic failures in food safety compliance across the supply chain.
With Diwali celebrations underway, authorities have issued a comprehensive consumer advisory urging citizens to exercise extreme caution when purchasing festive foods. The department emphasised that consumers should purchase sweets and milk products only from licensed outlets displaying valid FSSAI registration numbers.
“Avoid sweets with excessively bright or unnatural colours or those covered with non-food-grade silver foil,” officials warned. “Refrain from consuming products that appear stale, have an unusual odour, or are stored under unhygienic conditions.”
The advisory also recommends checking manufacturing and expiry dates before purchase, trusting one’s senses by preferring freshly prepared items, and insisting on proper packaging and labelling. Special vigilance is advised regarding possible adulteration in milk, khoya, paneer, ghee, and oil—ingredients commonly used in traditional sweet preparation.
“Be alert and make informed choices this festive season,” the department added. “Your health and safety are paramount.”
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Sumit Jha.)
