A startling report by Uttar Pradesh’s Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has revealed that almost 50% of food items tested in Kanpur are unfit for consumption.
Out of 1,324 samples collected from restaurants, local shops, and production units, a large proportion was found contaminated with banned colouring agents, artificial ripening chemicals like carbide, and flavour enhancers such as ajinomoto (monosodium glutamate). These substances pose significant threats to public health.
Officials have expressed serious concern over the widespread adulteration detected in everyday essentials including milk, edible oils, and popular street food. The rampant use of toxic and non-permitted additives to improve taste, colour, or shelf life has exposed severe lapses in food quality control across the city.
The FSDA has stated that strict legal measures will be taken against those violating safety norms under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Some samples have been sent for further examination, and several cases are already in process.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly when buying food from roadside vendors, and to report any suspected adulteration to the concerned departments.
This revelation underscores the urgent need for continuous monitoring, tougher enforcement, and greater public awareness to ensure that the food reaching consumers is genuinely safe and hygienic.