Raids conducted by 24 special teams in Ghaziabad, Mathura and Saharanpur
72 samples collected; 7,686 kg of food products worth around Rs 10 lakh destroyed
Lucknow, August 2026 : The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department of Uttar Pradesh has launched a large-scale enforcement campaign to ensure the quality of milk and dairy products, particularly paneer, and protect consumers from unsafe food.
Acting on intelligence inputs and in the public interest, the Commissioner, Food Safety and Drug Administration, Uttar Pradesh, constituted 24 special enforcement teams. The teams conducted surprise inspections at major milk and dairy product manufacturing units in Ghaziabad, Mathura and Saharanpur.
During the campaign, action was taken against 25 manufacturing units, while three other units were found to be non-operational. Inspections revealed instances of industrial-use chemicals and palmolein oil/refined vegetable oil allegedly being used in paneer production. Officials also found food products being manufactured under unhygienic and unsanitary conditions.
72 Food Samples Collected
The enforcement teams collected a total of 72 food samples during the operation. These samples are being sent to laboratories for detailed testing.
Further legal action against the concerned establishments will be initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act based on the laboratory reports.
7,686 Kg of Food Material Destroyed
During the inspections, large quantities of food products found to have been manufactured under unhygienic and unsafe conditions were destroyed on the spot.
According to the department, a total of 7,686 kg of food material, estimated to be worth around Rs 10 lakh, was destroyed.
In addition, 2,131 kg of food products and adulterants were seized. The estimated value of the seized material is around Rs 4.75 lakh.
Overall, the campaign resulted in action against 9,817 kg of food products and adulterants through destruction or seizure.
Strict Action Over Industrial Chemicals and Edible Oils
During the inspections, officials examined the paneer manufacturing process, raw materials being used and hygiene conditions at the production facilities.
The teams reportedly found instances where industrial-use chemicals and palmolein oil/refined vegetable oil were being used in paneer production. The department also took serious note of food being prepared under unhygienic and unsafe conditions.
The concerned units have been proceeded against according to law, while suspected food products and materials were either seized or destroyed.
Six FIRs Registered
Six FIRs were registered in cases involving serious irregularities during the enforcement drive.
Five of these cases relate to the alleged use of industrial chemicals and palmolein oil/refined vegetable oil in paneer production, as well as the preparation of food under unhygienic conditions.
Another FIR was registered over alleged obstruction of government officials in the discharge of their duties. According to departmental details, three cases were registered in Ghaziabad and two in Mathura, while action was also taken in Saharanpur.
Continued Monitoring of Food Safety
The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department continues to monitor the quality of milk and dairy products across Uttar Pradesh through regular inspections and enforcement measures.
Particular attention is being given to paneer and other widely consumed dairy products to prevent adulteration and ensure hygienic manufacturing practices.
The department said its objective is not only to maintain food quality but also to safeguard the health and interests of consumers. Further action against the establishments involved will be taken after the laboratory reports on the samples collected during the campaign are received.
