Pune: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seized adulterated food items worth Rs 24,07,918, including milk, cow ghee, butter, khawa and vegetable ghee, during the Dussehra and Diwali festivals in Pune city and district.

A total of 55 samples of food items were collected from 48 shops selling food items in the district for analysis.

A total of Rs 14,88,398 worth of food items like cow ghee, adulterated butter, sweet food, plant ghee and saffron was also seized.

In Pune division, tests were conducted at 83 locations while a total of 102 samples of food items were taken for analysis.

Raids were conducted at various food establishments on suspicion of adulteration and seizure proceedings were carried out. During the operation, a stock of adulterated food items worth Rs 9,19,520 was seized.

Action will be taken against them as soon as they receive reports from both the places, the administration said.

All assistant commissioners (food) and food safety officers of the Food and Drug Administration in Pune took the action.

If there is any doubt about adulteration of food items sold during the festive season, concerned citizens should contact the administration's toll free number 1800222365, appealed Suresh Annapure, Joint Commissioner (Food), Food and Drug Administration, Pune Division