Diwali 2026: Maharashtra FDA shares simple test to distinguish real silver leaf from aluminium foil

Before picking up a box of sweets this festive season the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration FDA wants consumers to try a simple check to distinguish genuine silver leaf from aluminium foilAccording to an FDA advisory issued on Thursday November 5 genuine silver leaf dissolves when rubbed between the fingers whereas aluminium foil rolls into a small ball The distinction could prove useful for consumers buying sweets during Diwali when demand for mithai khava ghee and dry fruits shoots upThe FDA has urged citizens to be particularly careful while purchasing festive sweets and gift hampers warning them against adulterated products suspiciously cheap food items and sweets showing signs of spoilageCheck credentialsThe food safety watchdog has advised consumers to buy sweets only from licensed or registered establishments and check their credentials through the Food Safety Compliance System FoSCoS portal or the Food Safety Display Board displayed at shops Buyers should also insist on bills carrying the sellerrsquos FSSAI licence numberRepresentation piciStockThe advisory recommends avoiding sweets with unnaturally bright colours and choosing products with little or no added colour Consumers should ask shopkeepers when the sweets were prepared and how long they can be storedMilkbased sweets should preferably be bought in small quantities refrigerated and consumed within a day or two Soursmelling or unusually sticky sweets or those showing signs of fungal growth should be avoidedThe FDA has also cautioned buyers against purchasing unusually cheap khava ghee and dry fruits Dry fruits should be checked for fungus insects musty smells and artificial gloss For packaged ghee and edible oils consumers should opt for sealed packs carrying FSSAI licence detailsCheck every hamperWith festive gift hampers flying off shelves the FDA has advised buyers not to judge a hamper by its outer packaging alone Expiry dates FSSAI licence details vegetarian or nonvegetarian symbols and allergen information must be checked on every individual productImported food products should carry the importerrsquos name address and FSSAI licence number Those ordering through online shopping and quickcommerce platforms should inspect packaging seals and expiry dates upon delivery Spoiled or nearexpiry products should be rejected while perishable food must arrive chilledThe FDA has also directed sweet manufacturers dairies and farsan producers to use fresh ingredients avoid prohibited adulterants and synthetic colours and maintain proper refrigerationIt has prohibited businesses from selling analogue paneer or vegetablefatbased products as genuine paneer khava or ghee without appropriate identificationFood businesses have also been directed to display valid FSSAI licences maintain hygienic premises appoint trained food safety supervisors and procure raw materials from licensed suppliersCommissioner SpeakldquoDiwali is a festival of joy and our foremost priority is that every citizen gets safe standard quality food this festive season Adulteration or compromise on quality is not merely a violation of law it is a compromise with the health of citizensrdquo said Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe He added ldquoOur objective is not to harass food business operators but to build a culture of food safety and compliance On public health there will be absolutely no compromiserdquoWhere you can report suspicious foodContact the FDA via its tollfree helpline 18002223365 or its grievance portal httpscomplaintsmahafdain