Major Crackdown On Adulterators Ahead Of The Festive Season; 350 Kg Of Fake Paneer Seized

Mathura: During the festive season, adulterators are putting public health at risk. On Tuesday, a team from the Food Safety Department raided a facility producing counterfeit paneer (cottage cheese) in Narayangarh village, located in the Shergarh area. The paneer was being manufactured using chemicals such as whitening agents and sodium hydrogen sulfate. The team destroyed 350 kg of contaminated *paneer* and approximately 3,000 liters of milk on-site while also seizing other ingredients used in the production process. A case has been registered against the operator of the unit, Tasleem, under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Chemicals and milk powder discovered in paneer production

In anticipation of the upcoming festive season, the Food Safety Department is conducting a district-wide campaign against those involved in food adulteration. Acting on a tip-off, the department’s team raided Tasleem’s paneer manufacturing unit in Narayangarh village on Tuesday. During the inspection, the team found that the paneer was being produced using skimmed milk powder, a whitening agent known as 'Ranipal,' papdi (sodium hydrogen sulfate), refined palmolein oil, and soybean-based ingredients. The intention was to sell this mixture in the market as genuine paneer. The team collected samples of the paneer, milk, 75 kg of skimmed milk powder, 60 kg of soybean-based ingredients, 225 kg of palmolein oil, 1,200 grams of papdi, and 500 grams of 'Ranipal,' and sent them to a laboratory for analysis.

350 kg of contaminated paneer and 3,000 litres of milk destroyed

During the raid, the team destroyed 350 kg of contaminated paneer—valued at approximately ₹87,500—on the spot. Additionally, about 3,000 litres of milk were also destroyed. Other materials used in the production of the paneer were seized. Assistant Commissioner (Food) Jatin Kumar Singh stated that those who engage in food adulteration tend to become more active during the festive season. Continuous action is being taken against individuals who compromise public health. A food safety officer noted that a case has been registered against the unit operator, Tasleem, under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Paneer made using chemicals can be harmful to health

Chemicals such as whitening agents and sodium hydrogen sulphate—which are being used in the production of paneer—are not intended for use in food products. These substances are primarily used for industrial bleaching and in other non-food applications. Their presence as adulterants in food items can have adverse effects on the human body. Consuming such substances poses risks, including digestive issues, skin problems, and respiratory complications.