Bright hue vanished from sweets in Bhivandi, showing the impact of Tukaram Munde’s strictness.

City News Mumbai / Gani Khan

Before Ganeshotsav, the view of sweet shops in Bhiwandi has been changing. Typically, sweets that appear bright and colorful during festivals now seem relatively dull. The main reason cited is the tightening of the Food and Drug Administration and increased scrutiny over the use of artificial colors.

After assuming office as the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, Tukaram Mundhe adopted a strict stance against the use of artificial colors in food items contrary to regulations. Following the department's directives, sweet merchants have also heightened vigilance. Many shopkeepers have reportedly reduced or ceased the use of intense artificial colors in sweets.

During festivals, the demand for sweets such as imarti, jalebi, peda, boondi, laddoo, chamcham, and rasgulla rises. A trend of giving sweets bright colors to attract customers has also existed. However, after the administration's tightening on food safety, shopkeepers are now exercising greater caution in the use of colors.

Sweet vendors say that although the sweets may not appear as bright as before due to reduced coloring, this can have a positive impact on quality and food safety. They claim that customers are now prioritizing taste and quality over mere appearance.

The Food and Drug Administration has appealed to the public to exercise caution when purchasing sweets with excessively dark or unusually bright colors. Amid the rising demand for sweets during the festive season, consumers have been advised to pay attention to quality and hygiene as well.

The change in sweet colors in Bhiwandi before Ganeshotsav is currently being seen as a result of the administration's strictness and heightened awareness of food safety.