Major action by Food Safety Department on CM Rekha Gupta’s directions, over 4,100 kg of adulterated khoya and paneer destroyed in one month
22 of 30 samples collected from Mori Gate Khoya Mandi found unsafe for human consumption, 12 of 19 paneer and chhena samples failed to meet prescribed standards
Government committed to ensuring safe food for Delhiites during festive season: CM Rekha Gupta
New Delhi, September 2026 : With the festive season underway, the Delhi Government has stepped up its campaign against adulterated and unsafe food items to ensure that people have access to safe and quality food. On the strict directions of Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta, the Food Safety Department has intensified inspections and enforcement action against milk-based food products, including khoya, paneer, chhena and ghee. The Chief Minister said the government is committed to ensuring that Delhiites have access to safe food during the festive season and that no one is allowed to put people’s health at risk by selling adulterated or unsafe food products. The department also carried out action in several areas on Wednesday, and the campaign will continue.
Continued campaign across major markets
Over the past month, the Food Safety Department has conducted continuous enforcement drives across major markets and food-selling points in Delhi. Inspections of khoya, paneer, chhena and ghee were carried out at several locations, including Okhla Sabzi Mandi, Mori Gate Khoya Mandi, Bagh Diwar, Sanjay Market, Chhoti Sabzi Mandi in Janakpuri, Mochi Market in Shahdara, Ghazipur and Jheel. The department has also conducted online inspections. During these drives, food business operators were instructed to strictly follow prescribed hygiene standards and sell only genuine food products that meet the required standards.
Over 4,100 kg of adulterated khoya and paneer destroyed, action continues
During the department’s enforcement action so far, more than 4,100 kg of khoya and paneer was suspected to be adulterated. The suspected food products were destroyed as part of the enforcement action to prevent them from being sold again in the market and posing a health risk to people. During inspections at Mori Gate Khoya Mandi, 30 samples of khoya were collected. Of these, 22 were found to be unsafe for human consumption and failed to meet the prescribed standards. The action reflects the department’s strict monitoring of the sale of adulterated khoya during the festive season.
Similarly, among the 19 samples of paneer and chhena for which test reports have been received so far, only seven were found to conform to the prescribed standards, while 12 failed to meet the standards. After violations of the prescribed standards were found during testing, the department has initiated prosecution proceedings against the concerned food business operators under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The department has made it clear that action against food business operators violating food safety regulations will continue as per the rules.
Action carried out in several areas on Wednesday as well
In view of the festive season, the Food Safety Department also carried out action in different parts of Delhi on Wednesday. Inspections and enforcement action were conducted at various locations, including Khari Baoli, Okhla Sabzi Mandi, the Jheel area of East Delhi and Janakpuri Mandi in West Delhi. The department has made it clear that the campaign will continue until the festive season is over. Inspections of food quality in markets, collection of samples and action against suspected or unsafe food products will be further intensified.
The Delhi Government has also appealed to food business operators to comply with all prescribed food safety and hygiene standards and sell only safe and quality food products. Food business operators found violating food safety requirements will face action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Strict action against adulteration during festivals, offenders will face stringent action: CM
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said festivals are a time for happiness and celebration, and a large number of people purchase sweets and milk-based products during this period. Those who put people’s health at risk through adulteration will face strict action by the Delhi Government. Adulteration will not be tolerated at any cost, and those violating food safety regulations will face stringent action under the law.
The Chief Minister said the Delhi Government is committed to ensuring that Delhiites have access to safe food during the festive season and that no one is allowed to put people’s health at risk by selling adulterated or unsafe food products. Strict action against those compromising public health will continue, while the Food Safety Department will conduct an intensive enforcement campaign throughout the festive season. She has directed the Food Safety Department to conduct regular inspections in markets, collect samples of suspected food products and take action as per the rules against food business operators found guilty during testing. She said there will be no compromise whatsoever on the quality of food products in Delhi.
