Delhi Food Safety: 508 kg Spurious Paneer Seized and Destroyed Ahead of Raksha Bandhan
The Delhi Food Safety Department on Monday destroyed approximately 508 kg of spurious paneer that was seized during an inspection at Okhla Sabzi Mandi. The action was part of a two-day enforcement drive conducted ahead of the Raksha Bandhan festival, a time when demand for milk products and sweets typically rises sharply.
Officials said legal proceedings have been initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, along with the relevant rules and regulations. The destroyed paneer was found to be substandard and unfit for human consumption, posing a potential health risk to consumers.
In addition to the seizure, the enforcement teams collected 22 samples of various food items from different districts across Delhi. These samples have been sent to designated laboratories for analysis, the Department said in an official statement. The results will determine whether further action is required against the concerned food business operators.
Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh emphasised that food safety remains a top priority for the Delhi Government, particularly during the festive season. He noted that the demand for paneer, sweets, edible oils and other perishable items increases significantly at this time, making stricter vigilance necessary.
“Every family has the right to enjoy festive food without worrying about its safety. The Delhi Government will take strict action against those who compromise with food quality or put the health of citizens at risk,” Mr Singh said.
He said that adequate teams have been deployed in each district for regular inspection, sampling and monitoring of food establishments, markets and supply points. This is aimed at ensuring that no substandard or unsafe products reach consumers, especially during periods of heightened demand.
The Food Safety Department stated that checks will continue in the coming days, with a particular focus on monitoring the food supply chain. The objective is to prevent the entry of spurious and substandard items into the market, safeguarding public health.
This drive is part of a broader effort by the Delhi Government to enforce food safety norms rigorously. Earlier similar actions have been taken during other festivals, including Diwali and Holi, when the sale of sweets and dairy products spikes. The consistent enforcement is intended to deter unscrupulous businesses from compromising on quality for profit.
Consumers have been advised to check for proper labelling, expiry dates and FSSAI license numbers when purchasing food items. The Department also encourages citizens to report any suspected cases of adulteration or substandard quality through its helpline, enabling quicker action.
The destruction of the spurious paneer was carried out in a controlled manner, ensuring no environmental hazard. Officials confirmed that the entire quantity was disposed of safely.
