The Punjab Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has collected 211 paneer samples during a two-day statewide drive aimed at checking adulteration and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. The operation was conducted on Monday and Tuesday, covering dairies, processing units, and retail outlets in both urban and rural areas of the state.
Health Minister's Statement
Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh announced that the collected samples have been sent to the state food laboratory for testing. The tests will check for adulteration, contamination, and adherence to prescribed quality standards. He warned that any food business operator found violating norms would face strict legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Previous Milk Sampling Campaign
This paneer drive follows a statewide milk sampling campaign conducted on May 6 and 7. During that exercise, 204 milk samples were collected, out of which 68 failed quality standards and one sample was found to be unsafe, according to the minister.
FDA Commissioner's Remarks
FDA Commissioner Kanwal Preet Brar stated that food safety officers are also sensitizing food business operators about proper hygiene and storage practices to prevent adulteration.
The state government has affirmed that the enforcement drive against adulterated food products will continue in the coming weeks to ensure public health and safety.
