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Parents beware! Kids’ favourite eclairs, mango bites & more chocolates found unsafe. 109+ Telangana manufacturers flagged for serious violations
ET Online | April 1, 2026 2:19 PM CST

Synopsis

A recent Telangana food safety drive inspected 109 confectionery establishments, uncovering widespread issues with product quality and safety. Authorities seized 35 kilograms of expired sweets and issued notices to violators, urging parents to be vigilant about loose and unbranded treats to protect children's health.

Health Scare Erupts: Over 109 Telangana Manufacturers Caught Making Unsafe Eclairs & Chocolates
Parents often assume that the sweets and treats their children enjoy are safe. However, a recent statewide enforcement drive in Telangana has raised serious concerns about the quality and safety of confectionery items being sold across the region.

On 24 March 2026, the Commissioner of Food Safety, Telangana, carried out a large-scale inspection drive targeting confectionery manufacturers and retailers. The findings highlight why consumers need to be more cautious, especially when it comes to products consumed by children.


Telangana Food Safety Drive 2026: Key Findings

The special drive covered multiple districts and aimed to check the safety and compliance of confectionery products such as candies, chocolates, eclairs, and flavoured sweets.

Here’s what officials uncovered:
  • 109 establishments inspected, including manufacturers and retail outlets
  • 190 samples collected for laboratory testing
  • Widespread issues found in product quality and safety

The scale of the inspection suggests that unsafe or substandard confectionery products may be more common than many consumers realise.

Unsafe Sweets Seized Across Districts

During the inspections, authorities seized a variety of suspected unsafe confectionery items, including:
  • Candies and mango bites
  • Eclairs and chocolates
  • Imitation chocolate products
  • Artificially flavoured sweets

These items were found to be either unregulated, of questionable quality, or potentially harmful for consumption.

Expired Products Discarded on the Spot

In a particularly alarming discovery, officials identified and disposed of 35 kilograms of expired or unsafe confectionery products during the drive.

These products were immediately discarded to prevent them from reaching consumers, especially children, who are the primary consumers of such sweets.

Notices Issued to Violators

Authorities did not stop at inspections. Based on violations, several businesses were served:
  • Improvement notices
  • Show cause notices
This indicates that regulatory action is being taken, but it also highlights gaps in compliance among some manufacturers and sellers.

Public Advisory: What Parents Should Know

In light of these findings, the Food Safety Department has issued a public advisory urging consumers to be more vigilant.

Avoid Loose and Unbranded Sweets

Unpackaged or unbranded confectionery items often lack proper quality checks and labelling. These can pose health risks, particularly for children.

Check for Unusual Signs

Do not consume products that have:
  • Strange colours
  • Unusual smells
  • Odd textures
These could indicate spoilage or the presence of harmful additives.

Why This Matters for Children’s Health

Children are more vulnerable to food-related health risks due to their developing immune systems. Regular consumption of unsafe or contaminated sweets can lead to:
  • Digestive issues
  • Allergic reactions
  • Long-term health concerns
This makes it essential for parents to be extra cautious about what their children consume.

The Telangana food safety drive serves as a wake-up call. While sweets are a part of everyday enjoyment, safety should never be taken for granted. By making informed choices and avoiding questionable products, parents can take a simple yet powerful step towards protecting their children’s health.

Staying alert today can prevent bigger problems tomorrow.


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