Quick answer: FSSAI has told states and union territories to step up inspections and sampling of sweets, milk products like khoa, paneer and ghee, edible oil and snacks this festive season, including on-the-spot testing by mobile labs. At home, you can do a simple food adulteration test from FSSAI’s DART booklet: iodine for starch in khoa, paneer and ghee, a slanted-surface drop test for water in milk, and a shake test for detergent. These tests catch only some adulterants, so also buy from licensed shops.
Key takeaways
- FSSAI has ordered more festive inspections of sweets, khoa, paneer, ghee and edible oil (reported 6 Oct 2026).
- Mobile “Food Safety on Wheels” vans will test samples in busy markets.
- Iodine turning blue means starch in khoa, paneer, chhena or ghee.
- Home tests are quick checks, not lab results. Buy from licensed, busy shops.
What FSSAI Announced This Festive Season
Ahead of Navratri and Diwali, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) directed food safety officers across states and UTs to increase surveillance, inspections and sampling, Business Today reported on 6 October 2026.
The focus is on foods in high festive demand:
- Sweets and savouries (namkeen, snacks)
- Milk products such as khoa, paneer and ghee
- Edible oil
- Beverages
Food Safety on Wheels vans, where available, will be placed in busy markets for on-the-spot testing, and inspection results are to be logged on FSSAI’s online systems. FSSAI also asked authorities to raise consumer awareness, which is where you come in.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Four food adulteration test methods you can do at home
- What each result means, and its limits
- How to buy safer sweets and milk products this Diwali
- What to do if you suspect adulteration
4 Food Adulteration Test Methods From FSSAI’s DART Booklet
FSSAI’s DART (Detect Adulteration with Rapid Test) booklet lists simple household checks. Down To Earth summarised the milk and milk-product tests below.
| Test | Food | How to do it | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starch (iodine) | Khoa, paneer, chhena, milk | Boil 2–3 ml/g sample with 5 ml water, cool, add 2–3 drops iodine tincture | Blue colour = starch added |
| Starch (iodine) | Ghee, butter | Add 2–3 drops iodine directly (no water needed) | Blue colour = starch, e.g. mashed potato |
| Water | Milk | Put a drop on a polished slanting surface | Pure milk flows slowly, leaves a white trail; watered milk runs off fast with no mark |
| Detergent | Milk | Shake 5–10 ml milk with equal water | Dense lather = detergent; pure milk gives a thin foam |
Tincture of iodine is sold cheaply at most chemists. Do the test in a steel or glass bowl, and throw the tested sample away afterwards.
Limits of a Home Food Adulteration Test
A home food adulteration test is a screening check, not proof. It can’t detect everything: synthetic colours, harmful chemicals, or vegetable fats mixed into ghee need proper lab testing. A negative result doesn’t guarantee the food is safe, and a lot of colour in a test can come from mistakes like a dirty bowl.
Use these tests as one tool. If something looks, smells or tastes wrong, don’t eat it.
How to Buy Safer Sweets and Milk Products
- Check the FSSAI licence number on the box or shop board.
- Look for a “best before” date on loose sweets. Sweet shops are expected to display it on trays.
- Buy from busy shops where stock moves fast.
- Avoid unusually bright colours in sweets and namkeen.
- Buy khoa and paneer on the day you’ll use them, and keep them refrigerated.
- Make some sweets at home. Our store-faral guide helps you keep homemade snacks fresh for longer.
What to Do If You Suspect Adulteration
Stop eating the food and keep the packet or bill. You can report the issue to your state food safety department or through FSSAI’s consumer grievance channels, and mention the shop name, date and product. If anyone feels unwell after eating it, see a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Food Adulteration Test
Q: How do I test khoa for adulteration at home?
Boil a little khoa with water, let it cool and add 2–3 drops of iodine tincture. A blue colour shows starch has been added.
Q: Can I test ghee at home?
Yes, for starch. Add iodine drops to a little melted ghee. Blue means starch. Tests for vegetable fat mixing need a lab.
Q: Is a home food adulteration test reliable?
It’s a quick screening check for a few common adulterants. It doesn’t replace lab testing.
Q: What is FSSAI’s DART booklet?
DART stands for Detect Adulteration with Rapid Test. It’s FSSAI’s collection of simple household checks for common adulterants.
The Bottom Line
FSSAI is stepping up festive checks on sweets, khoa, paneer, ghee and oil. You can add your own quick layer with a simple iodine and milk food adulteration test at home, and by buying from licensed, busy shops. When in doubt, throw it out.
Save these tests for Diwali shopping, share them with your family group, and follow SmartCooking.in on WhatsApp for more festive kitchen tips.