Key Development

The Food Safety Department of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has banned the manufacture, sale, distribution, and transport of loose paneer containing vegetable or foreign fat across the Union Territory. The move follows laboratory findings that confirmed the presence of Beta-Sitosterol, a compound indicating adulteration with vegetable fat.

Commissioner of Food Safety Smita Sethi issued the order after enforcement teams discovered large quantities of adulterated paneer being brought into J&K from neighbouring states. Officials said the products posed a serious risk to public health and violated multiple food safety regulations.

Adulteration Uncovered During Raids

Food safety officers conducted extensive raids and seized paneer transported under unhygienic and non-refrigerated conditions. The seized consignments lacked valid bills, invoices, and warranty declarations, violating Regulation 2.1.14(2) of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.

Subsequent testing at the National Food Laboratory, Ghaziabad, confirmed adulteration. Analysts detected Beta-Sitosterol, proving the use of vegetable or foreign fat — a direct breach of standards prescribed under the Food Products Standards and Food Additives Regulations, 2011.

Unsafe for Consumption, Says Commissioner

Commissioner Sethi declared the adulterated paneer unsafe for human consumption. She stated that the use of vegetable fat and the unhygienic handling of high-risk foods directly endanger public health.

“Loose paneer containing foreign fat and lacking traceability poses a serious risk to consumers,” she warned.

The Commissioner confirmed that the ban will remain in effect until all food business operators comply fully with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations. Authorities will lift the prohibition only after traders demonstrate full adherence to safety standards.

Strict Action Against Violators

Officials have warned manufacturers, traders, and transporters against violating the order. The Food Safety Department will initiate strict legal action under the FSS Act against anyone found selling or distributing unsafe or unverified dairy products in the region.

Source: Kashmir News Service