With the Holi festival approaching, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced the launch of the “Holi Anti-Adulteration Drive 2025” to combat the sale of adulterated and unsafe food products during the festive season. This notice was issued on February 28, 2025.
Recognizing the surge in demand for sweets, savories, milk, and milk products during Holi, the FSSAI aims to prevent the circulation of substandard and spurious items that pose serious risks to public health.
Increased Surveillance and Enforcement
The FSSAI has directed State/UTs and its Regional Offices to initiate the special drive, focusing on heightened surveillance and proactive enforcement actions. This includes:
Enforcement Officials (Designated Officers/Food Safety Officers/Central Food Safety Officers) will conduct inspections and sampling in their respective jurisdictions.
The drive will focus on key commodities like Milk & Milk products (ghee, khoya, paneer), Sweets, Snacks & Savouries (Namkeen, papad/fryums), Edible Oil, and Cereal & cereal products. The specific commodities may vary based on regional eating patterns.
Food Safety on Wheels (FSW) and Food Safety Officers will be deployed at entry/exit points at borders, hotspots, and major markets for on-the-spot testing.
Any violations related to food safety and adulteration will result in immediate enforcement action.
Adulteration
The FSSAI acknowledges that the increased demand during festivals creates economic incentives for food adulteration, compromising quality and safety. The “Holi Anti-Adulteration Drive 2025” is a proactive measure to safeguard public health and curb these malpractices.
Reporting and Evaluation
Following the conclusion of the drive, State/UTs and Regional Offices of FSSAI are required to submit a consolidated report by March 31, 2025, to enforcement1@fssai.gov.in. This report will help assess the effectiveness of the drive and identify areas for further strengthening enforcement mechanisms.
