Overview 

Ahead of the Diwali festival, food safety authorities across India have stepped up inspections to curb adulterated sweets and dairy products. Officials in Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, and Noida have seized contaminated paneer and khoya, ensuring safe and hygienic festive food for consumers.

Uttar Pradesh

UP FSDA uncovered large-scale production of fake paneer using urea, detergent, and industrial whitening agents like Tinopal and Ala. Officials seized and destroyed adulterated products worth ₹1.5 crore from districts including Noida, Hapur, Meerut, Agra, Kanpur, Unnao, Lucknow, Bareilly, and Gorakhpur. Authorities warned that consuming such paneer can severely damage the liver, kidneys, and digestive system and may cause long-term health issues. The crackdown continues with intensified surveillance and police support ahead of the festive season.

Chandigarh 

Chandigarh food safety officials seized 26 paneer and khoya samples ahead of Diwali and issued nine challans to violators under the Food Safety & Standards Act. The seized items have been sent for laboratory testing. Authorities are running daily awareness campaigns, urging shop owners to maintain hygiene and educating consumers to report adulterated food via the FSSAI portal, app, or helpline to ensure safe and healthy festive sweets.

Noida

Food safety authorities seized 500 kg of adulterated paneer from a vehicle en route from Mewat to Delhi-NCR ahead of Diwali. FSSAI intercepted the spoiled products, stored them at New Garhwal Dairy, and destroyed them with local support. Officials warned consumers to check paneer for smell, texture, and colour, and avoid buying from unverified sources or street vendors.

Source: Free Press Journal

The Economic Times

The Indian Express