The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered a special festive food-safety drive across states and Union Territories ahead of Navratri and Diwali.

The regulator’s September 29 advisory calls for stronger enforcement against adulteration and unsafe food during a period when demand for sweets, savouries, beverages, edible oils and dairy products rises sharply.

Why FSSAI Is Intensifying Inspections

Festive demand creates greater opportunities for adulteration and poor-quality products to enter the market. FSSAI has therefore asked enforcement authorities to identify food-safety hotspots and increase inspections during the festive period.

Products Under Greater Attention

  • Sweets and traditional festive foods
  • Milk and milk products
  • Ghee and khoa
  • Paneer
  • Edible oils
  • Beverages and other high-demand festive products

Food Safety on Wheels

FSSAI has asked authorities to deploy Food Safety on Wheels vehicles in markets where appropriate. These mobile units can support food testing and awareness activities closer to consumers and food businesses.

Real-Time Inspection Reporting

The enforcement drive also places emphasis on recording inspection data in real time. This can help authorities monitor enforcement activity and identify areas requiring additional action.

What Consumers Should Watch For

Consumers should be cautious when buying unpackaged or unusually cheap festive products. Checking packaging, manufacturing information, expiry dates and the identity of the food business can reduce avoidable risks.

Consumers should also report suspected adulteration or unsafe food through the appropriate food-safety channels rather than relying only on social-media warnings.

What This Means for Sweet Shops and Food Businesses

Businesses selling festive foods should expect greater regulatory scrutiny. Maintaining proper sourcing records, hygiene standards, food licences and documentation is especially important during the high-demand season.

Why This Matters This Festive Season

The drive is not simply about checking a few shops. FSSAI’s approach reflects the scale of the seasonal food market and the need for state-level enforcement to operate proactively before complaints become widespread.

Sources

  • FSSAI official advisory, September 29, 2026 — Special festive drive to ensure food safety, quality and prevention of adulteration.
  • Business Standard, October 5, 2026 — coverage of the festive inspection drive.