Key Development

The Health Department of Ludhiana has raised alarms over widespread adulteration in dairy products, especially milk and paneer, following routine inspections conducted between January and June 2025. Food safety teams collected 370 food samples during this period. Out of these, 81 samples failed safety standards, and 14 were declared unsafe for consumption. Paneer emerged as the most affected, with 28 of 76 samples failing tests. Officials also found 8 of 34 milk samples and 7 of 11 curd samples substandard or adulterated.

Department Launches Crackdown Before Festival Season

Ahead of the monsoon and upcoming festivals, officials in Ludhiana increased surprise inspections at dairies, sweet shops, milk vendors, and eateries. The department filed two criminal cases, while ten other cases are under review. Authorities settled 35 cases at the ADC level, imposing fines totalling ₹10 lakh on violators. To help the public identify adulterated milk, the department rolled out mobile milk testing vans that offer testing at just ₹50. Officials also encouraged citizens to use simple home testing kits priced at ₹100, making it easier to check milk quality themselves.

Authorities Urge Consumers to Stay Vigilant

“Consumers must remain cautious, especially when buying milk and paneer during the summer and festive seasons,” said Food Safety Officer Amritpal Singh. He added that adulteration tends to spike during peak demand periods and called on vendors to maintain hygiene and quality. The high failure rate among everyday dairy products highlights a pressing food safety issue. With milk and paneer being essential household staples, the presence of unsafe additives poses serious health risks. The department stressed the need for strict enforcement and public awareness to ensure safe consumption.

Source: The Times of India