Food adulteration is emerging as a serious public health threat, with repeated cases pointing to a widespread and systemic problem. From milk and paneer to sweets and processed foods, commonly consumed items are increasingly found to be sub-standard or contaminated—sometimes with fatal consequences.
Evidence in recent times indicates that this practice is not isolated. Consumption of adulterated food products has caused adverse health effects, sometimes resulting in deaths. Findings of tests and inspections show a pattern of repeated violations. Some examples illustrate the extent of the problem.
Andhra Pradesh Milk Tragedy: 16 Deaths
One of the most alarming cases was reported from Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district, where suspected milk adulteration claimed 16 lives. The case came to light on February 22 after a cluster of patients showing symptoms of acute kidney failure was reported from Chowdeswaranagar and Swaroopanagar areas, prompting health authorities to initiate an epidemiological investigation. Laboratory findings later confirmed that all 16 victims died of multi-organ failure triggered by acute renal failure after consuming milk contaminated with ethylene glycol, a toxic substance. Milk supplied to over 100 families from a dairy unit in Narasapuram village under Korukonda mandal has been identified as the suspected source. Authorities halted supply from the unit immediately.
Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav assured strict action: "We will take stringent measures to prevent such incidents. Those responsible at any level will face serious consequences."
Surat: 1,400 Kg Adulterated Paneer Seized
In Gujarat’s Surat, authorities seized 1,400 kilograms of paneer from a unit in the Pandesara area during a raid in early March. The Surat Special Operation Group, along with food safety officials, confiscated paneer worth around Rs 3 lakh. Laboratory tests confirmed the product was sub-standard, said Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajdeepsingh Nakum. A case was filed against supplier Mahesh Sharma under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 274, 275, and 318(4). The supplier allegedly sold loose, adulterated paneer at Rs 220 per kg to several small dairies. Machinery, industrial-grade acetic acid, and palm oil worth Rs 28 lakh were also seized.
Hyderabad Crackdown: Multiple Products Adulterated
In March, several food centers involved in illegal activities were raided. Around 64 individuals were arrested and 61 cases registered. More than 14,600 kg of adulterated food and 400 liters of liquids were confiscated. Products included ice cream, Osmania biscuits, milk, and tea powder. The action was led by the newly formed H-FAST (Hyderabad – Food Adulteration Surveillance Team). Raids exposed unhygienic factories, harmful chemicals, spoiled meat, and fake quality claims.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar stated: "Food adulteration is not just a crime. It is a silent, deadly attack on every household. From the biscuits and ice creams we lovingly give our children to everyday essentials like ginger-garlic paste, tea powder, milk, and curd, adulterators are poisoning the very food we trust." He added there will be "zero tolerance" for offenders.
Haryana Sweets Incident: 7 Children Hospitalised
A suspected case of food contamination left seven children hospitalised in Haryana’s Nuh district, with one in critical condition. The children fell seriously ill after allegedly consuming adulterated sweets in the Nagina area. According to police, Aslam, a resident of Ganduri village, bought 'Chamcham' sweets from a shop. The children experienced symptoms such as vomiting, anxiety, and foaming at the mouth. The children were identified as Sofaid (16), Ajuba (15), Sofia (10), Sanofia (8), Samar (4), Samreen (2), and Ruhaan (5). No written complaint has yet been filed.
Ludhiana Dairy Data: Paneer Tops Adulteration List
More than 16 percent of dairy samples tested in Ludhiana district since January 2024 failed quality assurance tests, with paneer leading the list. Out of 1,164 samples tested till February 2026, 188 were found substandard or unsafe. Paneer accounted for 39.6 percent of failures, while milk accounted for 19 percent. Other items include ghee, curd, khoa and lassi. Failure rates improved from 19.1% in 2024 to 16.2% in 2025, and 7.5% in early 2026. Officials said a 10% to 20% failure rate is considered "within the normal range," but action is taken. Vendors with poor hygiene are fined on the spot. Substandard cases go to the ADC court with penalties up to Rs 5 lakh, while unsafe food cases can lead to Rs 10 lakh fine and up to six months in jail. District health officer Dr Ashish Chawla started a food safety van campaign from April 7 to 21 for on-the-spot testing and awareness.
Food Safety System Under Strain in Telangana
In 2025, GHMC conducted 9,656 inspections across Hyderabad, covering less than one-fifth of the city’s nearly 75,000 eateries. Only 3,500 samples were collected, with just 65 violations found — under 2%. Around 40% of establishments received improvement notices. Across Telangana, only one food business licence was cancelled in 2024–25. Data shared in the Rajya Sabha showed 125 violation cases settled with penalties, but none led to convictions. Sample analysis dropped from over 6,100 in 2023–24 and 4,800 in 2022–23 to just 3,347 in 2024–25. Officials cite staff shortage: Hyderabad has about 25,000 licensed eateries and nearly 50,000 unorganised units, but fewer than 20 food safety officers. There is only one shared food testing lab in Nacharam for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Penalties remain low — up to Rs 5 lakh — reducing deterrence.
Processed Food Samples: 10% Fail Safety Standards
Adulteration extends to processed food. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, around 10% of processed food samples tested contained adulterants. In 2025-26, 218 out of 2,315 samples did not satisfy safety requirements. Adulteration occurs in both the informal sector and the processed foods industry.
Health Experts Warn of Long-Term Risks
Health experts warn of severe long-term consequences. Deepa Agarwal, founder and nutritionist at Nutriclinic, said: "Long-term exposure to certain adulterants can increase cancer risk due to carcinogenic substances present in contaminated food. Adulterants can also trigger allergic reactions. Moreover, prolonged consumption of such food can harm organs like the kidneys, liver and heart."
In 2025, Hyderabad recorded over 8,000 cases of acute gastroenteritis, along with at least three deaths and hundreds of hospitalisations linked to food poisoning. With incidents reported across regions and food categories, experts say the issue has grown into a national public health threat, requiring stronger enforcement, better infrastructure, and sustained monitoring to ensure food safety.
