LUCKNOW, Nov. 13 -- In a major food safety crackdown, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) on Wednesday raided several sweet and snack manufacturing units in Lucknow, seizing and destroying large quantities of substandard and expired products. Acting on the orders of the FSDA commissioner, ten special enforcement teams carried out surprise inspections across the city. The operation targeted prominent sweet manufacturers following complaints of poor hygiene and suspected adulteration. At one unit, officials sealed over 36 quintals of allegedly substandard and misbranded sweets worth Rs 14.4 lakh, while 10 kg of coloured petha was destroyed on the spot. Related enforcement continued late into the night at linked facilities in another city. At another establishment, around 255 kg of expired sweets worth Rs 2.3 lakh were destroyed, while another outlet saw three quintals of sweets and dry fruits worth Rs 3.6 lakh disposed of. Similarly, 30 kg of expired sweets were destroyed at yet another unit. The crackdown also resulted in closure orders for several outlets where "extremely unhygienic" conditions were found, including one operating without a valid food licence. A total of 21 food samples were collected for laboratory testing. Officials confirmed that 595 kg of sweets unfit for consumption, valued at over Rs 6.17 lakh, were destroyed during the drive. An FSDA spokesperson said the campaign aimed to ensure food safety during the festive season, when sweet production peaks. "All units have been issued improvement notices and directed to fix hygiene and sanitation lapses within a stipulated time. Follow-up inspections will be conducted, and legal action will follow for non-compliance," the statement said....