Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Nov 8: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has seized nearly 3,280 tonnes of banned and non-compliant food products worth Rs 82 crore during a nationwide inspection drive launched to curb adulteration during the festive season.

The enforcement drive, which began on September 1, saw the regulator inspect 56,431 food establishments across the country till November 5. The seized products included paneer, ghee, milk and sweets, according to an FSSAI social media post on Saturday.

As part of the action against food safety violations, the authority cancelled 52 licences, suspended 1,133 licences and sealed 314 establishments. It also issued 10,047 improvement notices to food business operators.

The FSSAI said it had stepped up vigilance in view of the festive season to ensure that consumers had access to safe food and to prevent the sale of adulterated and substandard products.

The regulator has also intensified enforcement measures against food business operators and e-commerce companies during the current calendar year as part of its efforts to strengthen food safety standards and protect consumers.