Authorities in Gujarat have disposed of approximately 1,018 kilograms of suspected paneer worth Rs 1.83 lakh as part of a state-wide effort to combat adulteration in dairy and summer products. The action was taken after inspections at various establishments where counterfeit dairy items, including paneer, were discovered and subsequently destroyed due to not meeting food safety standards. Health Minister Praful Pansheriya highlighted that this initiative was part of Gujarat’s “Food Purity Campaign,” which involved inspecting 4,193 units in April.
The enforcement drive was intensified following a review meeting with the Food and Drug Regulatory Authority. Praful Pansheriya emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health and its zero-tolerance policy towards adulteration. Stringent legal measures will be enforced against those selling counterfeit dairy products as paneer. During the inspections, authorities gathered 118 food samples for laboratory testing and issued notices to about 270 establishments for breaching food safety regulations.
Apart from the confiscated paneer, 18 establishments were sealed for serious violations of hygiene and food safety protocols. Municipal corporations in Gujarat collected fines exceeding Rs 2.84 lakh from violators during the operation. The inspection campaign, extended to seasonal beverages and street foods like sugarcane juice, mango juice, ice gola, and watermelon, aimed to ensure consumer safety. Under the “Food Safety on Wheels” initiative, checks were conducted at 1,576 locations, testing 1,705 samples.
The department also conducted 284 training programs and 255 awareness sessions for traders and citizens to encourage compliance with food safety standards and deter adulteration practices. Officials affirmed that the drive would persist with continuous monitoring and enforcement throughout the state.
