UP cracks down on dairy analogues, 22,000 quintals seized in 6 months

The Uttar Pradesh government has intensified its crackdown on dairy adulteration, with the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) seizing or destroying over 22,000 quintals of imitation paneer, khoya and other milk-based products in the past six months. A new standard operating procedure issued on August 14 requires swift action once an unsafe food report is received.

The FSDA has specifically prohibited the manufacture, storage and sale of dairy analogue products made from non-dairy ingredients. In a single-day operation on August 14, 24 enforcement teams inspected units in Ghaziabad, Mathura and Saharanpur, destroying 7,686 kg of food material valued at Rs 10 lakh and seizing 2,131 kg worth Rs 4.75 lakh. Action was taken against 25 manufacturing units.

FSDA commissioner Roshan Jacob said analogue products often contain chemicals like butyric acid, formalin and hydrogen peroxide, which are harmful to health. Manufacturers using such substances may face FIRs under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Repeat offenders could face emergency prohibition orders under the Food Safety and Standards Act, potentially shutting down their units.