Gautam Buddh Nagar, March 18, 2026 — The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has intensified inspection drives across the district ahead of the upcoming Chaitra Navratri festival. Acting on directions of the District Magistrate, teams are conducting raids at food establishments to ensure availability of safe and quality food items for residents during the festive period. The drive focuses on commonly consumed fasting products such as buckwheat (kuttu) flour and water chestnut (singhara) flour.
Inspections and Seizure of Food Items
During the inspection campaign, a team led by food safety officers conducted raids in Kulesra, Greater Noida. At Santosh Traders, approximately 240 kg of loose kuttu flour was found without valid bills or labeling details such as manufacturing date. Additionally, 244 packets of 250 grams each were found without batch numbers or manufacturing information. Samples were collected, and the remaining stock, including around 238 kg of loose flour and 240 packets, was seized.
At Muskan Traders in the same area, around 70 kg of loose kuttu flour was found without proper documentation or labeling. The team also identified 145 packets lacking batch numbers and manufacturing dates. After collecting samples, approximately 70 kg of loose flour and 141 packets were seized. In total, nearly 400 kg of kuttu flour was confiscated during the operation.
Sample Collection and Laboratory Testing
Additional inspection teams carried out sampling at other locations. At a facility in Sector 49, Noida, samples of kuttu flour and singhara flour were collected for testing. Another team collected a sample of raisins from a grocery store in Kasna on University Road.
In total, seven food samples were collected during the drive and sent to laboratories for quality testing. The results will determine compliance with food safety standards and further action will be taken accordingly.
Strict Guidelines for Vendors
Authorities issued strict instructions to all food vendors to procure products only from licensed or registered suppliers. Vendors have been directed to maintain proper purchase invoices and ensure that all food items carry essential details such as manufacturing date, batch number, and labeling information before sale.
Officials emphasized that non-compliance with food safety regulations will invite strict action under the Food Safety Act. The department is prioritizing consumer safety during the festive season when the demand for specific food items increases significantly.
Ongoing Enforcement Measures
The department confirmed that such inspection drives will continue across the district in the coming days. Regular monitoring and sample collection will be carried out to ensure that food items available in the market meet prescribed quality standards.
The initiative aims to prevent the sale of adulterated or substandard food products and ensure that residents receive safe and hygienic consumables during Chaitra Navratri.
