India, Oct. 17 -- As Diwali approaches, a surge in the demand for traditional sweets is seen along with the risk of shopkeepers selling adulterated products. Consumers are constantly at risk due to the usage of low-quality ghee, starch and flour in khoya, harmful artificial colors, and substandard paneer. Despite the rising concerns, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Gurugram seems to be falling short in ensuring food safety, with alarmingly few inspections and delayed sampling efforts.

During a spot check by a HT team on Thursday to the food department at the FDA Gurugram, the officials informed that between September 1 and October 16, only 67 inspections of dairy products including khoya, sweets, and paneer had been conducted a...