Special Correspondent
Pune: In a joint crackdown, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Pune city police uncovered a major adulterated paneer manufacturing operation in Manjari. A factory engaged in producing and distributing spurious paneer was raided, leading to the seizure of 1,400 kg of paneer, along with 1,800 kg of skimmed milk powder (SMP) and 718 liters of palm oil, amounting to a total value of ₹11.56 lakh.
Following the raid, officials collected samples of the adulterated paneer for laboratory analysis and conducted a panchnama. The seized stock was subsequently destroyed in the presence of authorities.
The operation was spearheaded by FDA Joint Commissioner Dr. Rahul Khade, alongside Additional Commissioner of Police Shailesh Balkawade, Deputy Commissioner Nikhil Pingle, Assistant Commissioner Rajendra Mulik, and Police Inspector Wahid Pathan. Several FDA officers, including Narayan Sarkate, Balaji Shinde, Asmita Gaikwad, Supriya Jagtap, and L.W. Salve, participated in the action, supported by the Pune police team.
As per the information provided, the seized paneer was being produced using SMP, RBD palmolein oil, glyceryl monostearate (GMS), and non-food grade glacial acetic acid, all in highly unhygienic conditions. Additionally, officials discovered that the factory was manufacturing paneer analogues and fraudulently selling them as authentic paneer at different price points.
Seized Items and Their Worth
Paneer: 1,349 kg worth ₹2.22 lakh
Skimmed milk powder (SMP) (Adulterant): 1,798 kg worth ₹7.19 lakh
Glyceryl monostearate (GMS) (Adulterant): 398 kg worth ₹83,580
RBD palmolein oil (Adulterant): 718.4 kg worth ₹1.19 lakh
Glacial acetic acid (Adulterant): 140 kg worth ₹11,592
Total value: ₹11.56 lakh
Authorities have warned that such adulterated products pose serious health risks and have reiterated their commitment to stringent action against food fraud.
