The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has seized a massive consignment of sweets stored in unhygienic conditions in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the festive season. Officials confiscated 44,000 kilograms (440 quintals) of rasgullas, estimated to be worth nearly ₹50 lakh, from a cold storage facility operating without a valid licence.
According to officials, the sweets were intended for sale during the upcoming festival period, when demand for traditional items such as rasgullas typically peaks. However, the stock was reportedly kept in unsafe and unhygienic conditions, posing a serious risk to public health.
Cold storage unit without licence
In a post shared on Instagram, the FSSAI said: “The stock was kept in unhygienic conditions and was intended for sale during the upcoming festive season. This blatant disregard for public health led to the immediate destruction of the entire consignment.”
The authority also released a video showing the poor storage conditions and the disposal process of the seized rasgullas. Officials confirmed that the entire stock was destroyed to prevent it from entering the market.
Synthetic paneer also seized
In a separate action on August 25, the Jammu and Kashmir Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in coordination with FSSAI, seized 2,100 kilograms (21 quintals) of synthetic paneer from the Gangyal area. Officials said the adulterated product was destroyed immediately to eliminate any possibility of sale or consumption.
“The decisive action is part of an ongoing drive to ensure public health and safety,” the FSSAI noted, releasing another video that showed large blocks of synthetic paneer being disposed of by the authorities.
Rising cases of food adulteration
This is not the first case of food adulteration detected in the region. Similar raids have taken place in states including Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand in recent months, where large quantities of fake paneer, milk, and other dairy products were seized.
Authorities said they have stepped up surveillance during the festive season, when demand for sweets and dairy products surges. Food safety teams are carrying out surprise inspections and enforcing stricter penalties to discourage illegal practices.
Public health at risk
Officials warned that consuming adulterated or unhygienically prepared products can cause serious health issues ranging from food poisoning to long-term illnesses. The FSSAI has urged consumers to remain cautious, buy sweets only from licensed outlets, and look out for signs of tampering or poor storage conditions.
Conclusion
With over 46,000 kilograms of unsafe food products destroyed in just two recent raids, the FSSAI and state authorities have reinforced their message that public health cannot be compromised. The crackdown highlights the urgent need for strict enforcement, industry accountability, and consumer awareness as India heads into its festive season.