India, Nov. 6 -- FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has directed his team to sample gold-coated mithai sold at Rs.24,000 per kilogram in Amravati district following consumer complaints.

Clarifying that gold is a safe, edible mineral, Mundhe emphasised that the core concern centers on misleading festive food claims.

He highlighted safety risks associated with adulterated silver coating (varak), noting that authentic silver vanishes when rubbed between fingers, whereas fake aluminum foil curls.

Beyond adulteration, the FDA chief advised citizens against storing sweets beyond two days, pointing out that their quality and safety deteriorate quickly after that window.

In response to a recent mass food-poisoning incident at a Bhandup wedding t...