868 kg paneer & 170 kg khoya destroyed in UP raid

Food safety authorities in Uttar Pradesh have recently conducted raids in Ghaziabad, resulting in the destruction of 868 kilograms of paneer and 170 kilograms of khoya. These actions come in the wake of a major raid in Mathura, where 1,500 kilograms of contaminated paneer and 3,000 liters of adulterated milk were seized from a cheese manufacturing unit.

The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) of Uttar Pradesh carried out the raids at several dairy establishments in Ghaziabad as part of an ongoing enforcement drive against food adulteration. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) announced the news on their social media platform X, along with a video of the raids.

According to the FSSAI, the nationwide campaign against food adulteration continues with strict enforcement and vigilance by state food safety departments. The Mathura raid uncovered large quantities of paneer and milk that were unfit for consumption, with 1,500 kilograms of paneer and 3,000 liters of milk being destroyed on the spot.

The FDA had earlier reported that nine samples, including paneer, milk, and oil, were sent for laboratory testing. Adulteration in dairy products, such as milk and paneer, is a significant food safety concern in India due to the widespread consumption of these items. Potential adulteration can involve substances like starch, detergents, and other unauthorized additives, which can alter the appearance, consistency, or shelf life of the products.

Health risks associated with consuming adulterated dairy products can vary depending on the substance involved and the quantity consumed. Some adulterants may cause immediate gastrointestinal problems, while exposure to certain harmful chemicals may lead to more serious health consequences. Consumers are advised to avoid products that appear suspicious and should not solely rely on taste, smell, or appearance to determine the safety of food. Laboratory testing remains the most reliable method for detecting specific adulterants.

To identify adulterated paneer at home, consumers can observe the milkiness and texture of the product. Fresh paneer generally has a milky smell and a soft, cohesive texture. Paneer that is rubbery, excessively hard, or has an unusual odor may warrant caution. FSSAI's DART initiative offers simple tests for detecting certain types of food adulteration at home.

Milk can be checked by diluting a drop with water; pure milk will remain in place or flow slowly, while diluted milk will flow more quickly. A detergent detection method involves mixing milk and water, which should be performed carefully and according to official instructions.

When purchasing paneer, consumers should check the packaging, expiry or best-before date, and FSSAI license details. They should also buy from reputable sellers, even though appearances and prices alone cannot confirm the absence of adulteration. If a product appears unsafe or suspicious, consumers should avoid consumption and report their concerns to the relevant food safety authorities.