FSDA destroys 7,686 kg adulterated dairy products, flags chemicals used in fake paneer

In a week-long coordinated operation, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) deployed 24 special enforcement teams to conduct surprise inspections at dairy and dairy-product manufacturing units in Ghaziabad, Mathura and Saharanpur

In a week-long coordinated operation, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) deployed 24 special enforcement teams to conduct surprise inspections at dairy and dairy-product manufacturing units in Ghaziabad, Mathura and Saharanpur. The operation resulted in action against 25 manufacturing units, while three other units were found non-operational, stated a press release by the FSDA officials on Friday.

The inspections revealed large quantities of food material allegedly manufactured or stored under unsafe and unhygienic conditions. Officials destroyed 7,686 kg of food material at the spot, with an estimated value of nearly ₹10 lakh.

In addition, enforcement teams seized 2,131 kg of food material and suspected adulterants, estimated to be worth around ₹4.75 lakh.

Thus, the operation covered a total of 9,817 kg of food material and adulterants through seizure or destruction.

The most serious finding during the inspection was the alleged use of industrial-use chemicals in paneer production. Teams also detected the use of palmolin oil and refined vegetable oil in the manufacturing process.

The enforcement teams collected 72 food samples during the drive for being examined in laboratories.

A total of six FIRs have been registered. Five relate to allegations including the use of industrial chemicals and palmolin/refined vegetable oil in paneer production and preparation of food under unhygienic conditions.

The sixth FIR relates to an alleged instance of obstruction of government officials while they were carrying out enforcement duties.

Of the cases reported by the department, three FIRs were registered in Ghaziabad and two in Mathura, while enforcement action was also undertaken in Saharanpur.