Fri Oct 03 14:57:13 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
In Virudhunagar, India, ahead of the Deepavali festival, District Collector N. O. Sukhaputra has mandated that all sweet and savory vendors obtain and display a Food Safety license. Strict regulations are being enforced regarding hygiene, raw material sourcing, permitted coloring agents, edible oil usage (one-time use only, with used oil to be sold for biodiesel production), and comprehensive labeling including manufacturing and expiry dates. The Collector also encourages the display of manufacturing and expiry dates for retail sales, even though it is not mandatory. Workers must be vaccinated and wear appropriate protective gear. The water quality used in manufacturing must be certified, and the use of permitted plastic bags is required. The Food Safety Department will conduct inspections and take action against vendors selling substandard goods. A helpline number is provided for consumers to lodge complaints.
**News Article:**
**Virudhunagar Gears Up for Safe Deepavali Sweets: Food Safety Licenses Mandatory**
**Virudhunagar, October 3, 2025** – With Deepavali just around the corner, Virudhunagar District Collector N. O. Sukhaputra has announced stringent food safety regulations to ensure the quality and hygiene of sweets and savories sold during the festival season.
In a statement released today, the Collector mandated that all permanent and temporary shops, along with manufacturers and sellers of Deepavali delicacies, must obtain a Food Safety license and prominently display it on their premises. Applications can be made through the FSSAI portal (https://foscos.fssai.gov.in).
“We are committed to ensuring that the residents of Virudhunagar can enjoy the festive season without compromising their health,” said Sukhaputra.
The regulations extend beyond licensing, encompassing every stage of production. Manufacturers are instructed to source raw materials only from licensed suppliers, maintain a hygienic environment, and strictly adhere to regulations on permitted artificial coloring agents. The directive also mandates single-use edible oil, with used oil designated for biodiesel production.
Labeling requirements are comprehensive. Every package must include the date of manufacturing, expiry date, and the Food Safety license number. The details of cooking oil and ghee used in the snacks must also be displayed for consumers. While not mandatory for retail display, vendors are strongly encouraged to prominently showcase the date of manufacturing and expiry.
The Collector emphasized the importance of worker safety, requiring all employees involved in manufacturing and sales to be vaccinated against typhoid and jaundice, and to wear gloves and kitchen caps. Only permitted plastic bags can be used for packing sweets. Manufacturers must also obtain water quality certificates from accredited laboratories.
The Food Safety Department has been instructed to conduct rigorous inspections, take samples, and take stringent action against those selling substandard goods. Consumers can lodge complaints about the quality of snacks by calling 04562-225255 or 94440-42322.
The regulations are designed to ensure a safe and enjoyable Deepavali for everyone in Virudhunagar.
First Piper 