Coffee Complaint Triggers Surprise Check

In Gurgaon, an IAS officer noticed a foul smell in the milk of his coffee at Barista Coffee, MGF Metro Mall, and reported it to the Food Safety Department. Acting on the complaint, officials conducted a surprise inspection and collected milk samples for testing to detect possible adulteration.  The inspection is part of the department’s pre-Diwali drive to ensure public health and hygiene. Officials noted that it remains unclear whether cafés will routinely fall under such surprise checks.

Namkeen Unit Raided

Following a separate complaint from a Haryana government official, the department raided a namkeen manufacturing unit in the Basai industrial area. Officials collected samples of besan and refined oil for analysis. District Food Department nodal officer Ramesh Chauhan confirmed that all samples have been sent for rigorous testing. “These inspections are complaint-driven, not random. Many come from senior officials. Our goal is to ensure no compromise on food safety during Diwali,” he said.

Major Paneer Adulteration Exposed in Nuh

The crackdown extended to paneer production in Nuh, where a joint operation by Chauhan, the state flying squad, and the CID uncovered alarming practices at five dairies: Haryana Dairy Godhala Punhana, M R Paneer Dairy Godhala, Ishrayal Paneer Dairy, Pandit Ji Dairy, and Wahid Dairy.

Officials seized large quantities of fake paneer made from soybean, palm oil, and chuna (calcium hydroxide) instead of milk. During consecutive raids, they confiscated 300 kg, 700 kg, and 1,200 kg of adulterated paneer. Samples were sent for laboratory testing, and notices were issued to owners to produce valid FSSAI licences. Units failing to comply face immediate closure and strict legal action. Experts warned that consuming paneer adulterated with such chemicals can cause serious health problems, from digestive disorders to long-term organ damage.

Source: The Times of India