{
  "id": 15396571,
  "title": "Pune: Loose Masalas Still Sold In Peth Markets Despite FDA Ban",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/pune-loose-masalas-still-sold-in-peth-markets-despite-fda-ban",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-18T10:13:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/pune-loose-masalas-still-sold-in-peth-markets-despite-fda-ban"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pune's Peth markets continue to sell loose spice powders, including turmeric and red chilli powder, in violation of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ban issued on October 15. Shopkeepers attribute the continued sales to low prices, customer demand, and existing stock, while consumers cite affordability and smaller portion sizes as their reasons for purchasing loose masalas. The FDA's order aims to prevent adulteration, contamination, and the use of prohibited colors in spices, citing penalties for non-compliance. Despite the potential risks, loose spices remain popular among customers seeking lower-cost alternatives and the ability to buy in smaller quantities.",
  "summary": "Pune: Despite a ban on the sale of loose spice powders, turmeric and red chilli powder continue to be sold in parts of Pune's Peth markets, with shopkeepers citing low prices, customer demand and existing stock as reasons for continuing sales. #WATCH | Pune: Loose Masalas Still Sold In Peth Markets Despite FDA Ban Read story by @Alister0135 : https://t.co/2UOXXqjrOK #PuneNews #foodsafety…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}