Key Update

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has intensified enforcement against adulterated food in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, seizing unsafe paneer and sweets valued at over ₹14.63 lakh. The action forms part of a wider effort to ensure compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Extensive Sampling Across Durg Division

To strengthen surveillance, officials collected food samples from multiple districts in the Durg division. These included 17 samples from Durg, 11 from Rajnandgaon and Khairagarh–Chhuikhadan–Gandai, 16 from Bemetara, 18 from Balod, and eight from Kabirdham. Authorities have sent all samples for laboratory analysis to verify quality and safety standards.

Adulterated Paneer Destroyed in Rajnandgaon

In Rajnandgaon, the FDA destroyed 460 kg of paneer at Raunak Enterprises in Paneka after finding that the unit used skimmed milk powder and palm oil instead of milk. Officials also booked a mega mart in the district for stocking expired food items. In Raipur, inspectors raided Gopi Dairy and Sweets in the Boriakhurd area and destroyed 200 kg of sweets prepared under unsanitary conditions. The team also seized 900 kg of khoya-based products, including kalakand and Krishna barfi, worth ₹1.75 lakh.

The total value of seized and destroyed food items stands at ₹14,63,500. Authorities have sent legal samples for testing and will initiate further action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Rules, 2011, after receiving the laboratory results.

Mobile Labs Strengthen On-the-Spot Surveillance

As part of FSSAI’s surveillance plan, officials collected samples of dry fruits such as dates and raisins, along with chocolates, from various outlets. Mobile food testing laboratories conducted spot checks, testing 506 samples in Durg, 68 in Bemetara, 56 in Balod, and 119 in Kabirdham, reinforcing real-time monitoring across the division.

Source: The Times Of India