Report

On February 4, 2025, the Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA) raided Dwarkesh Dairy Products in Ahmedabad, Guajrat seizing 1,500 kilograms of contaminated paneer and raw materials used in production. The FDCA’s special squad from Gandhinagar carried out the raid based on a confidential tip-off. During the operation, officials discovered adulterants, including palm oil and industrial-grade acetic acid, allegedly used in the manufacturing process.

Legal Action and Public Health Safeguarding

The FDCA confiscated the remaining stock, valued at Rs 3.15 lakh, to protect public health and collected three samples for further testing. Officials have pledged to take strict legal action against individuals or businesses found involved in food adulteration. Investigations are ongoing to assess the extent of the adulteration and any potential health risks.

Rising Food Safety Concerns in Gujarat

Between April and September 2024, authorities tested 4,316 food samples in Gujarat, with 360 (approximately 8.3%) failing to meet safety standards. In the past three years, 824, 978, and 910 samples failed inspections in the fiscal years 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24, respectively. Additionally, during a 15-day drive in October 2024, the FDCA seized 233 tonnes of suspected adulterated food products across the state.

Previous Seizures and Ongoing Enforcement Efforts

In April 2024, the FDCA confiscated over 60,000 kilograms of adulterated spices, including chilli powder, turmeric, coriander powder, and pickle masala. Despite these efforts, the rate of legal action against offenders remains low. Over the past three years, out of 41,509 food samples tested, only 4,506 civil complaints and 168 criminal cases were filed, resulting in a prosecution rate of just 11.2%.

Lead Contamination Concerns in Gujarat Foodware

A recent survey by Pure Earth revealed concerning levels of lead contamination in food ware in Gujarat. The study found that 95% of metallic foodware samples and 77% of ceramic foodware samples exceeded safe lead content levels. In comparison, lead adulteration was rare in other food-related items such as toys, cosmetics, plastic foodware, spices, and staple dry foods.

Ongoing Inspections in Telangana

Meanwhile, food safety inspections are also underway in Telangana, where a task force is visiting various establishments, including restaurants, bakeries, manufacturing units, and cloud kitchens, to ensure food safety standards are met.

Source: NDTV