FDA raids 3 outlets over complaints of synthetic paneer in Gurugram

Samples were sent for chemical analysis, with further action pending results as spurious dairy products flood NCR markets ahead of festivals.

The food safety wing of the Food and Drugs Authority raided three dairy and food outlets in the city on Wednesday allegedly after receiving complaints of synthetic and substandard paneer, officials said on Friday.

Spurious cottage cheese made using palm oil, starch, detergent, and synthetic whitening agents routinely floods NCR markets ahead of festivals like Dussehra and Diwali, when wholesale demand peaks. (Shutterstock)

The inspection team -- comprising food safety officer Dr Manoj Kumar and the chief minister flying squad -- raided two establishments in Sohna and one in Palam Vihar.

Officials said the teams collected multiple paneer samples from the counters and sent them to the state food testing laboratory in Chandigarh for chemical analysis. Further legal proceedings and penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSAI) will be initiated depending on the findings, officials said.

Spurious cottage cheese made using palm oil, starch, detergent, and synthetic whitening agents routinely floods NCR markets ahead of festivals like Dussehra and Diwali, when wholesale demand peaks. Last year, the Gurugram food safety wing received over 40 formal complaints related to adulterated, foul-smelling, or spurious dairy products, including incidents where expired stock was flagged at quick-commerce dark stores and sweet shops across sectors.

The latest enforcement drive comes barely a week after the Haryana Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) deputed 22 veterinary surgeons and technical officers across districts on an urgent basis to address severe staff shortages. The state was earlier reliant on just five food safety officers to cover the entire region.