Mathura, Aug 2026 : The Food Safety and Drug Administration department conducted a raid on a paneer manufacturing unit in Mathura district on Monday following information received about the use of non-dairy ingredients and chemicals in the production of paneer.
The raid was carried out at a manufacturing unit in Hussaini village under Shergarh police station in Chhata tehsil. During the inspection, officials found that paneer was allegedly being prepared using milk along with several non-dairy substances and chemicals.
The food safety team inspected the unit owned by Sonu Kumar, son of Chhitar Mal. Officials found skimmed milk powder, Tinopal, a whitening agent, ‘Rang Kaat’ (sodium hydrosulphite), refined palmolein oil, soybean and other materials being used in the manufacturing process.
500 Kg Paneer, 2,000 Litres Milk Destroyed
During the operation, officials destroyed approximately 500 kg of contaminated paneer, estimated to be worth Rs 1.05 lakh. The team also disposed of around 2,000 litres of milk, valued at approximately Rs 1.25 lakh.
The action was taken after officials determined that the manufacturing process was not in compliance with prescribed food safety standards. Further legal proceedings have been initiated against the food business operator for alleged violations concerning the quality and preparation of food products.
Samples of Oil and Chemicals Collected
The food safety officials collected samples of paneer and milk for laboratory testing. Samples were also taken from 80 kg of palmolein oil, 12 kg of ‘Rang Kaat’ and 20 kg of Tinopal chemical found at the premises.
All the collected samples are being sent to a laboratory for examination. Further action will be taken on the basis of the laboratory reports and in accordance with applicable food safety regulations.
Suspected Materials Seized, FIR Action Initiated
During the raid, the department also seized other suspected materials found at the manufacturing unit. Officials have initiated proceedings to register an FIR against the food business operator.
The department said the enforcement action is aimed at preventing the manufacture and sale of adulterated or substandard food products and ensuring that consumers have access to safe and quality food.
The Food Safety and Drug Administration has warned that strict action will be taken against the use of any unauthorised ingredients or chemicals in food manufacturing processes in violation of prescribed standards.
The department has also intensified monitoring of paneer and other dairy products across the region. As part of these efforts, a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was issued by the department last Saturday to deal with cases involving adulterated or non-standard dairy products.
Under the latest directions, authorities have been instructed to take immediate action, including shutting down manufacturing units found violating food safety norms and registering FIRs under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Officials said enforcement and inspection drives would continue to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and protect consumers from potentially hazardous or adulterated dairy products.
