With Raksha Bandhan around the corner, the Food Safety Department has intensified its crackdown on suspected food adulteration in Bhopal, seizing thousands of kilograms of ghee, paneer and mawa from different locations across the city. The action has raised concerns over the quality of dairy products reaching consumers during the festive season, when demand for sweets and milk-based products peaks.

Officials have confiscated large quantities of suspected adulterated dairy products in multiple raids. Around 25 quintals of ghee, worth nearly Rs 14 lakh, was seized in one operation.

Separate raids led to the seizure of:

- 2,095 kg/litre of suspected ghee from Shriram Distributors in Patel Nagar, valued at around Rs 12.6 lakh.

- 938 kg of ghee from Prosperity Tech in Karond, worth nearly Rs 5.5 lakh, where officials found the establishment operating without a food licence.

- Around 1,500 kg of ghee from Narmada Sales Corporation in Bhanpur.

The department has collected 10 samples of different ghee brands for laboratory testing and has launched an investigation into the entire supply chain, including manufacturers, super stockists, distributors and retailers.

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Paneer, Mawa Samples Fail Quality Checks

Laboratory analysis of samples collected from Anand Mawa Bhandar in Mangalwara also raised red flags.

Officials said the report indicated a strong possibility that the products contained palm oil or other vegetable fats, suggesting they did not meet prescribed quality standards. Following the findings, the food registration of the establishment has been suspended with immediate effect.

Authorities are continuing to collect samples of suspected ghee, paneer and mawa from across the city, with several reports still awaited.

Concerns Over Products Already In The Market

The move has fueled concerns over whether other such consignments have already reached consumers in various homes and confectionery shops prior to laboratory test results being established.

Although raids are crucial, officials note that the whole supply chain, right from production to the retailer, should be identified to stop the flow of adulterated products in the markets in the festival season.

Food Safety Department Issues Advisory

Consumers have been advised to take extra precautions while purchasing dairy products and sweets. Authorities recommend:

- Buy food items only from trusted and licensed shops.

- Check packaging, manufacturing and expiry dates before purchasing.

- Avoid buying exposed or unpackaged dairy products unless their quality is assured.

- Verify the brand and quality of ghee, paneer and mawa.

- Report any suspected adulteration to the Food Safety Department.

- Chief Food Safety Officer Shivraj Pavak said the anti-adulteration drive will continue.

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"A campaign against food adulteration is underway across the district. Large quantities of suspected adulterated ghee, mawa and paneer have been seized. Samples have been sent for laboratory testing, and strict action is being taken wherever violations are confirmed. The drive will continue," he said.