States asked to step up vigil against adulterated sweets

The Centre has directed all state governments to intensify vigil against the sale of adulterated sweets and fake firecrackers during the auspicious Diwali festival next week.
The government will also launch a campaign from October 16 to educate consumers on ways to purchase gold and silver that is genuine.
"We are aware about adulterated sweets and duplicate crackers being sold during festivals like Diwali and Durga puja. We have already given instructions to states to intensify vigilance to prevent sale of such items," Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said.
He appealed to all state governments to keep a strict vigil so as to prevent the sale of adulterated sweets and counterfeit fireworks during this festival season.

The Centre does not have huge infrastructure and personnel to track such issues and that normally depends on the state governments, Paswan said on the sidelines of a BIS event.
Consumer Affairs Secretary Keshav Desiraju said that food inspectors in all states are being vigilant on the checking the sale of adulterated sweets ahead of Diwali.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Director General Sunil Soni said that an awareness campaign will be launched on October 16 to reinforce that consumers buy gold and silver that has quality certified 'hallmarking'.