Fake silver leaf on sweets may put consumers’ health at risk: Food Safety Officer
Food Safety Dept warns against substandard silver leaf on sweets
Ferozepur, October 18, 2026: With silver leaf widely used to give sweets an attractive finish, the Food Safety Department, has cautioned sweet manufacturers and sellers against using fake, adulterated or substandard silver lead ‘varq’, warning that unauthorised metals used in its place may pose health risks to consumers.
The department has appealed to manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and sweet sellers to ensure the purity and quality of edible silver leaf and use only ingredients permitted under food safety regulations.
It said that if metals such as aluminium, nickel or other unsuitable substances are used instead of edible silver, consumers could potentially face health problems. Depending on the type and quantity of metal and the manner of exposure, such substances may cause gastrointestinal problems, allergic reactions and, in certain circumstances, adverse effects on the kidneys or nervous system. However, the presence of specific metals and their potential health impact can only be confirmed through laboratory testing.
Under Regulation 2.11.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, edible silver leaf must contain at least 999 parts per thousand of silver. The regulation also prohibits the use of material obtained from animals at any stage of manufacturing the edible silver leaf.
The department has directed sweet sellers to procure silver leaf only from reliable suppliers and maintain purchase bills and other required documents. They have also been advised not to use suspicious or non-standard material.
The department warned that violations of food safety regulations may attract legal action under applicable provisions.
The public has also been urged to remain alert about the quality of sweets and report suspected fake silver leaf or adulterated food products to the Food Safety Department.