Food Safety Dept. issues guidelines for sweet and savoury makers ahead of Deepavali

The Food Safety Department has asked sweet and savoury makers in Erode to adhere to its guidelines. | Photo Credit: M. GOVARTHAN The Food Safety Department has directed manufacturers and sellers of sweets and savouries in the district to obtain the necessary licence or registration before commencing production and sales ahead of Deepavali.In a release, the department said sweets and savouries should be prepared using quality raw materials and under hygienic conditions. Food items should be stored and distributed in clean surroundings, free from flies, insects and other sources of contamination.Those temporarily preparing and selling sweets and savouries at wedding halls and homes should obtain temporary licences from the department. Employees involved in food preparation should undergo medical examinations, while licence holders should have completed food safety training.The department has cautioned against packing sweets and savouries in newspapers or printed paper. Only food-grade packaging materials and containers with suitable lids should be used.Manufacturers of milk-based sweets and packaged sweets should use only permitted food colours within prescribed limits.Packaged products should carry the dates of manufacture and expiry. Manufacturers have also been advised to use fresh cooking oil and avoid reusing used oil. Waste cooking oil should be handed over to authorised agencies for conversion into biodiesel.Consumers have been advised to check the date of manufacture, expiry date, manufacturer’s details and food safety licence or registration number before purchasing food products.Complaints about the quality of food items can be lodged through the department’s WhatsApp helpline at 94440 42322, the release said. Published - October 30, 2026 05:53 pm IST