One of Lucknow’s most celebrated sweet brands, Chhappan Bhog, has come under the scanner after a major food safety crackdown exposed shocking lapses in hygiene and food quality. The surprise inspection, led by the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) team, resulted in the seizure of 36.64 quintals of sweets worth ₹14.40 lakh, sparking outrage among loyal customers and raising questions about the safety of even the most reputed brands.
Adulteration Scandal at the Naderganj Unit
The raid took place at Chhappan Bhog’s Naderganj production unit, where officials reportedly discovered unhygienic conditions, improper storage of ingredients, and unsafe food practices. According to authorities, 10 kilograms of artificially colored “peetha” sweets were destroyed on the spot after being found unfit for consumption.
Inspectors described the scene as “deeply concerning,” with sweets being prepared and stored in conditions far below the prescribed food safety standards. “The cleanliness level was unacceptable for a brand of this scale,” said one FSDA official, adding that the inspection exposed “serious lapses in basic hygiene.”
Luxury Image, Lax Standards
Known for its premium image and wide customer base across Uttar Pradesh, Chhappan Bhog has long been considered a go-to name for festivals, gifting, and high-end sweets. The revelation of adulteration and poor sanitation at its Naderganj facility has sent shockwaves through the city’s consumers.
Local customers, stunned by the findings, took to social media expressing disappointment and demanding accountability. “We trusted this brand for years—this feels like a betrayal,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).
Food Safety Department Promises Stern Action
Officials confirmed that samples from the seized sweets have been sent for laboratory testing, and stringent legal action will follow if violations are confirmed. “No brand, big or small, will be spared if they compromise public health,” warned an FSDA spokesperson.
Sources revealed that this inspection was part of a larger citywide drive targeting popular sweet manufacturers before the festive season, aimed at curbing adulteration and enforcing hygiene standards.
Public Health at Stake
Experts caution that the consumption of artificially colored and adulterated sweets can cause severe health issues, including food poisoning, allergies, and long-term toxicity. The incident has reignited discussions around food safety accountability and the urgent need for regular audits at large-scale production units.
A Wake-Up Call for the Industry
The Chhappan Bhog episode serves as a grim reminder that brand reputation cannot substitute for safety compliance. Authorities are urging consumers to check for FSSAI licenses, manufacturing dates, and signs of spoilage before purchasing sweets—no matter how big the name.
With investigations underway and public trust shaken, Lucknow’s sweet industry faces a tough test: regaining the confidence of consumers who now view every box of sweets with a hint of suspicion.
