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Haldiram's Expired Sweets Seized in Major Food Safety Operation in Lucknow

In a recent food safety operation in Lucknow, authorities seized over 112 kilograms of expired sweets from Haldiram, raising concerns about food quality during festive seasons. The operation, part of a larger crackdown by the FSDA, aimed to ensure public health safety ahead of Ramadan and Holi. With a total of over 10,000 kilograms of unsafe food items confiscated, the incident has sparked outrage on social media, prompting calls for stricter quality control measures. Consumers are advised to check expiration dates and purchase sweets from reliable sources. Read on for more details about this significant event.
By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 28, 2026, 14:11 IST

Overview of the Incident


A significant incident involving Haldiram occurred in Lucknow on February 26-27, 2026. This information has been gathered from various credible news sources.


Details of the Incident



  • Date of Action: The operation took place on either February 26 or 27, 2026, with most reports indicating February 27.


  • Location: The action was conducted at the SR Sales storage warehouse in the Faizullaganj (or Mohibullapur) area of the Madiyawan region, which is associated with Haldiram.


  • Items Seized: Approximately 112 kilograms of expired sweets were confiscated, primarily consisting of Soan Papdi and Rajbhog, which had surpassed their expiration dates.


  • Estimated Value: The total value of these sweets was assessed at around 45,000 rupees.


  • Action Taken: The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) team promptly destroyed all expired sweets on-site. Reports suggest they were either buried or disposed of in municipal waste.


  • Additional Samples: The team also collected samples of assorted Peda, Rasgulla, Gulab Jamun, Petha, and Gujia for laboratory testing.



Part of a Larger Campaign

This operation was not limited to Haldiram alone. The FSDA conducted extensive raids across Lucknow in anticipation of Ramadan and Holi:


  • A total of 10,415 kilograms of adulterated or unsafe food items were seized, including fake khoya and adulterated spices.


  • The estimated total value of these items was around 5.591 million rupees.


  • These goods were recovered from various cold storage facilities, shops, and warehouses.


  • Fifteen samples, including sweets and spices, were sealed and sent for laboratory analysis.


  • The operation was led by Assistant Commissioner (Food)-II Vijay Pratap Singh.



Reasons and Context


  • During festivals like Ramadan and Holi, the demand for sweets and food items surges, prompting some unscrupulous stockists to attempt to sell expired or low-quality products.


  • The FSDA has launched a rigorous campaign to safeguard public health, stating that strict legal action will be taken against offenders under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.


  • While some reports mentioned the term 'adulterated,' the primary focus was on the expired stock. Instances of fake or adulterated khoya were also reported, but the Haldiram case specifically highlighted the expiration issue.



Public Reaction

Social media platforms like Instagram, X, and Facebook have seen a wave of public outrage. Concerns were raised regarding the lack of quality control in branded products. Many users advised checking the expiration date, FSSAI license number, and packaging quality when purchasing sweets during festivals.


Advice: Always buy sweets from reputable stores during festivals, check the packaging dates, and report any suspicions to the FSDA helpline.