KANPUR, Oct. 28 -- Nearly half of the food consumed daily by city residents failed safety tests, a 2024-25 report by the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) of Uttar Pradesh has revealed, exposing alarming adulteration in local markets. The findings point to widespread use of harmful chemicals, non-permissible food colours, and substandard ingredients in commonly sold items across Kanpur.

According to official data, 707 of the 1,324 samples collected across the district failed to meet prescribed standards. Of these, 608 were found substandard, while 82 were declared unfit for human consumption.

District magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh, who reviewed the findings during a district-level food safety committee meeting, said, "Direct...