my uttarakhand news Bureau
DEHRADUN, 14 Mar: With Chaitra Navratri set to begin from March 19, the Uttarakhand Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an advisory to prevent the sale of adulterated buckwheat flour, locally called as Kuttu Atta in the markets during the fasting period. The devotees observing the Navratri fast commonly consume dishes prepared from buckwheat flour, leading to a sharp rise in its demand during the festival. Authorities have therefore stepped up vigilance to ensure that only safe and properly packaged products are available in the market.
Officials said that during the Navratri period the demand for buckwheat flour increases significantly, and cases of adulteration have often been reported during this time. In several instances, old stock of buckwheat flour is allegedly mixed with fresh flour and sold to consumers. In view of these concerns, the Food Safety and Drug Administration has issued strict instructions that only sealed and properly packaged buckwheat flour will be permitted for sale in the markets. The department has also made it mandatory for manufacturers to clearly mention the manufacturing date as well as the expiry date on the packaging.
The precautionary step has been taken in the backdrop of incidents reported during last year’s Chaitra Navratri when several people in Dehradun and Haridwar districts fell ill after consuming contaminated or stale buckwheat flour. Following the incident, the department had launched a large-scale drive across the state. During Navratri in 2025, more than 300 people in Dehradun and Haridwar reportedly fell ill after consuming buckwheat flour products. Subsequent investigations revealed that the supply of the contaminated flour had come from Saharanpur. Food inspectors had then conducted raids at numerous shops in Dehradun and Haridwar and collected samples for laboratory testing.
In light of the previous year’s incidents, the Food Safety and Drug Administration has adopted a precautionary approach this year and issued the advisory well in advance of the festival. The advisory clearly states that buckwheat flour will not be allowed to be sold in loose form. Only properly packaged and sealed products will be permitted for sale, and the packaging must clearly display both the manufacturing and expiry dates.
Along with issuing the advisory, the department has directed the food inspectors to carry out regular inspections in markets. As part of this effort, food inspectors also held a meeting with representatives of the Udyog Vyapar Mandal and local traders to brief them about the guidelines issued by the department. During the meeting, manufacturers and distributors of buckwheat flour were advised to ensure that only high-quality buckwheat kernels are used in the preparation of flour meant for sale.
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