Lucknow | In one of the biggest food safety enforcement drives in Uttar Pradesh, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has seized 388 tons of suspected adulterated and unsafe dairy products during simultaneous raids across Lucknow, Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, and Barabanki. The estimated value of the seized stock is around ₹15.8 crore, marking a significant escalation in the state’s crackdown on food adulteration networks.
The coordinated operation was conducted under the direction of FSDA Commissioner Dr. Roshan Jacob, who ordered the formation of 14 specialized enforcement teams. These teams carried out surprise inspections at multiple dairy processing units, storage facilities, and packaging centers. During the drive, officials collected 56 samples of various food products for detailed laboratory analysis, which will determine the extent of contamination and regulatory violations.
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One of the most serious violations was reported from Bhola Baba Dairy in Kanpur Dehat, where officials discovered that expired skimmed milk powder was being repackaged into smaller packets and marked with fresh manufacturing dates. According to FSDA officials, this practice poses a severe risk to public health and represents a direct violation of food safety norms. Around 227 tons of material were seized from the facility, valued at approximately ₹15.2 crore. Authorities have also recommended cancellation of the unit’s central license due to the gravity of the violations.
In another inspection conducted in Shivrajpur area of Kanpur, irregularities were found at a processing unit linked to the Namaste India brand. Officials noted poor hygiene and sanitation standards within the production area, raising concerns over compliance with mandatory food safety protocols. Additionally, expired ingredients were found in the unit’s ice cream manufacturing section, prompting the issuance of a corrective compliance notice.
In Lucknow and Kanpur, inspection teams also examined facilities associated with the Amul brand. While no large-scale adulteration was detected, officials pointed out lapses in labeling practices and inaccuracies in health-related claims printed on product packaging. The units have been directed to rectify the violations and ensure strict compliance with regulatory standards.
Another case of concern emerged from the Swadesh Milk Products unit, where non-standard additives and unhygienic conditions were found during inspection. A formal notice has been issued to the management for corrective action. During the raids, several unsafe ingredients, including chocolate dip mixtures and food stabilizers, were destroyed on-site after being deemed unfit for consumption.
FSDA officials stated that the operation was carried out with a primary focus on consumer safety and ensuring that unsafe food products do not reach the market. They added that units found guilty of serious violations, particularly those involving repackaging of expired goods, will face stringent legal action, including cancellation of licenses and possible prosecution.
Food safety experts have described the findings as a reflection of long-standing issues within the dairy supply chain, where regulatory gaps have allowed malpractice to continue in certain segments. However, they also noted that increased digital monitoring and frequent inspections are now making it harder for such violations to go undetected.
Authorities emphasized that this is part of an ongoing statewide campaign to strengthen food safety enforcement. More inspections are expected in the coming weeks across other districts, targeting dairy units, cold storage facilities, and packaged food manufacturers.
Consumers have been advised to remain cautious while purchasing dairy products and to immediately report any suspicious or improperly labeled items to the authorities. Officials reiterated that public cooperation is essential in curbing food adulteration and ensuring safer food supply chains.
The large-scale seizure is being seen as a significant step toward tightening food safety standards in Uttar Pradesh and sending a strong message against adulteration practices that endanger public health.
