Significant Update

The Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration destroyed 900 kg of adulterated paneer worth nearly ₹2.25 lakh during a major crackdown in Ghaziabad.

Unsafe Paneer Found During Late-Night Check

The action began when police intercepted a suspicious tempo in the Shalimar Garden area late at night. Officers found a large quantity of paneer inside the vehicle and alerted the Food Safety Department after suspecting adulteration. Food safety officials inspected the consignment and confirmed that the paneer failed to meet safety standards. They also found workers storing the paneer in highly unhygienic conditions, with contaminated liquid surrounding the product, making it unsafe for consumption.

Authorities Destroy Entire Consignment

Officials collected samples for laboratory testing and later destroyed the entire stock to prevent it from reaching the market. Authorities used a JCB machine to dig a pit and bury the paneer. Food Safety Officer Ashutosh Rai said suppliers transported the consignment from the Kosi region of Mathura for distribution across Ghaziabad, Delhi, and the NCR region.

Rising Concern Over Fake and Adulterated Paneer

The seizure comes amid increasing nationwide concern over adulterated and analogue paneer products. Recently, food safety authorities in several states intensified inspections and enforcement drives against fake paneer being sold in markets and restaurants. Experts warn that adulterated paneer may contain starch, synthetic milk, detergents, vegetable fats, or harmful additives that can affect health. Consumers can identify suspicious paneer through simple checks such as texture, smell, iodine testing, and heating tests at home.  Food safety officials have advised consumers to buy paneer from trusted sources, check the freshness carefully, and report suspicious food products to authorities.

Source: NDTV