In a significant move to safeguard public health, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) department in Chhattisgarh has initiated a widespread crackdown on adulterated and substandard food products across the Durg division. The operation has led to the seizure of paneer and other items with an estimated value exceeding Rs 14.63 lakh.
Widespread Sampling and Major Seizures
The department's drive involved collecting numerous food samples from various districts to ensure compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Officials gathered a total of 70 samples from key areas: 17 from Durg district, 11 from Rajnandgaon and Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai, 16 from Bemetara, 18 from Balod, and eight from Kabirdham. All these collected samples have been dispatched to laboratories for detailed analysis.
The action turned decisive in Rajnandgaon, where authorities discovered 460 kg of paneer being produced using skimmed milk powder and palm oil at Raunak Enterprises in Paneka. This entire stock was promptly destroyed. A separate case was registered against a mega mart in the region for stocking expired products.
In the state capital, Raipur, inspectors visited Gopi Dairy and Sweets in the Boriakhurd area. They condemned and destroyed 200 kg of sweets manufactured in unhygienic conditions. Furthermore, they confiscated 900 kg of khoya kalakand and Krishna barfi, valued at approximately Rs 1.75 lakh.
Mobile Labs and Spot Surveillance
As part of the surveillance strategy outlined by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the department also focused on other food categories. Samples of dry fruits like dates and raisins, along with various chocolates, were taken from multiple retail outlets.
To enhance on-ground vigilance, mobile food testing laboratories were deployed throughout the division for immediate, spot inspections. These mobile units tested a significant number of samples: 506 in Durg, 68 in Bemetara, 56 in Balod, and 119 in Kabirdham.
Legal Action and Next Steps
The total value of the seized adulterated and unsafe food items during this crackdown stands at a staggering Rs 14,63,500. Legal samples from the confiscated stocks have been sent for forensic testing. Authorities have stated that further stringent action will be pursued under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (including its 2011 Rules) as soon as the laboratory reports are received.
This large-scale operation underscores the state government's commitment to enforcing food safety standards and protecting consumers from the dangers of adulterated products.
