The Pune Food and Drug Administration seized and destroyed 303 kg of suspected substandard barfi during an inspection at a sweet shop in Dhanori ahead of Diwali, citing improper storage, missing labelling and the absence of purchase invoices.
The action was carried out on November 2 at M/s R. Bikaner Sweets in Mauli Complex on the Alandi-Markal Road in Dhanori, Khed taluka. The seized barfi was valued at approximately Rs 1,21,200, according to the report published by Sakal – Pune.
FDA officials said the barfi was being stored at room temperature. The product did not carry the required labelling, while the shop operator could not produce bills or related documents for its purchase. The authority treated the stock as suspected to be of substandard quality and destroyed it at the premises to prevent a possible risk to consumers.
The inspection also found a stock of kalakand at the outlet. A loose sample of the product was collected and sent for testing and analysis. Further action will be taken after the laboratory report is received, the report said.
The operation was conducted by food safety officer H. R. Marewar under the guidance of regional assistant commissioner S. N. Chatte and joint commissioner (Food) S. Karkale. The inspection formed part of the FDA’s “Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra” campaign, which is targeting food businesses during the festival season.
The action highlights the role of routine inspection in regulating perishable food sold in urban neighbourhoods during periods of heightened demand. Sweets such as barfi and kalakand require appropriate handling and storage, while labelling and purchase records allow authorities to identify the product’s source and assess compliance.
The FDA has asked sweet manufacturers and retailers to store food products at appropriate temperatures, provide required labels and keep purchase invoices and related documents available for inspection. The department said inspections and enforcement activity would continue to help ensure that consumers receive safe and quality food products.
The next formal step in the case will depend on the analysis report for the kalakand sample. The FDA will decide further action after the results are available.
