FSSAI Orders Nationwide Anti-Adulteration Drive Ahead Of Holi, Special Checks On Milk, Sweets, Oils And Festive Foods
FSSAI Orders Nationwide Anti-Adulteration Drive Ahead Of Holi, Special Checks On Milk, Sweets, Oils And Festive Foods
New Delhi, February 23, 2026: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed all States and Union Territories to launch special inspection and sampling drives ahead of the Holi festival to curb food adulteration and ensure consumer safety.
In an official directive, the food regulator instructed enforcement agencies to intensify surveillance on high-demand food categories during the festive season, including milk and milk products, sweets, snacks and savouries, edible oils, ghee, cereal products and other commonly consumed items. States have been asked to submit an action-taken report by March 31.
FSSAI noted that the festive surge in demand for products such as ghee, khoa, paneer, sweets and fried snacks often creates opportunities for adulteration, posing serious risks to public health and weakening consumer trust. The authority emphasised that strict monitoring is essential during this period to prevent the circulation of unsafe and substandard food.
As part of the “Holi Anti-Adulteration Drive 2026”, designated officers, food safety officers and central food safety officials have been instructed to carry out targeted inspections and sample collection across markets, manufacturing units and distribution points. Special focus will be placed on identified hotspots and sensitive locations where the risk of adulteration is higher.
The regulator has also directed that Food Safety on Wheels (FSW) units be strategically deployed in busy marketplaces to conduct on-the-spot testing. These mobile units will help strengthen vigilance, spread public awareness and reinforce consumer confidence by ensuring the availability of safe and quality food products during the festive season.
FSSAI stated that the coordinated nationwide drive aims to protect public health, maintain food quality standards and ensure that festive celebrations are not compromised by unsafe food practices.
