Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Food Safety Department has intensified its crackdown on suspected food adulteration in the state, with special focus on paneer and chhena being sold in Bhubaneswar ahead of Raksha Bandhan.
Following a major enforcement operation in Cuttack, food safety officials conducted inspections at multiple locations across the capital city on Thursday after receiving complaints regarding the alleged sale of adulterated dairy products.
Omfed Booth Raided in Bhubaneswar
As part of the inspection drive, a team of Food Safety Department officials raided an Omfed booth near Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar. The inspection was carried out to verify allegations that adulterated chhena and paneer were being supplied and sold to consumers.
Officials reportedly detected a chemical substance in a quantity of paneer during the inspection. More than 50 kg of chhena was discarded after the authorities raised concerns over its quality.
Food Safety Officer Pratikshya Das said the chhena was being supplied to different locations and that the department had conducted testing after receiving information about the suspected adulteration.
According to Das, a substantial portion of the chhena stock that had reached Bhubaneswar was found to be adulterated and was seized by the officials. The paneer inspected during the operation, however, was not confirmed as adulterated at the spot and samples were sent to a laboratory for detailed testing.
Officials Warn of Strict Action
The Food Safety Department has warned that strict action will be taken against individuals and businesses found involved in the manufacture, supply or sale of adulterated food products.
Officials said violations of food safety regulations could invite penalties and other legal action under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act.
The intensified inspections come at a time when demand for paneer, chhena and other dairy-based products generally increases around festivals such as Raksha Bandhan. Authorities are therefore stepping up surveillance to prevent potentially unsafe products from reaching consumers.
Traders Seek Action Against Manufacturers
The enforcement drive has also raised concerns among traders who sell packaged or supplied dairy products. Paneer trader Bhikari Charan Behera said manufacturers responsible for producing adulterated products should face strict punishment.
He said local sellers often depend on products supplied to them and may not know the ingredients or substances used during manufacturing. According to him, the authorities collected samples for testing during the inspection.
Lab Tests to Determine Quality
While officials reportedly found suspected adulteration in the chhena stock, the paneer samples collected during the operation will undergo laboratory testing to establish whether they contain harmful or unauthorised substances.
The latest inspections form part of the state’s wider effort to curb food adulteration and ensure that consumers receive safe and compliant dairy products. Authorities are expected to continue inspections at markets, shops, dairy outlets and other points of sale in the coming days.
The department’s intensified campaign also serves as a warning to traders and manufacturers that the sale of adulterated food items can result in enforcement action and penalties.
