Delhi's Food Safety Department seized and destroyed 508 kg of counterfeit paneer during a two‑day enforcement drive ahead of Raksha Bandhan. Legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act has been initiated.

  • 508 kg of counterfeit paneer destroyed
  • Legal action under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
  • Heightened inspections during festive season

The Delhi Food Safety Department announced on Monday that it destroyed around 508 kg of spurious paneer seized from Okhla Sabzi Mandi as part of a two‑day enforcement drive preceding Raksha Bandhan. The move targets the surge in demand for dairy products during the festival period.

Authorities have launched legal proceedings under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations. In addition, 22 enforcement samples of various food items were collected from multiple districts across Delhi and sent to accredited laboratories for analysis.

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Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh emphasized, "Food safety remains a priority, especially during festive seasons when demand for milk products, paneer, sweets, and edible oils spikes. Every family has the right to enjoy festive food without worrying about its safety." He added that dedicated teams have been deployed across districts for regular inspection, sampling, and monitoring of food establishments, markets, and supply points.

The department stressed that the checks will continue in the coming days, focusing on monitoring the food supply chain and preventing unsafe and substandard products from reaching consumers.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that large‑scale destruction of counterfeit food items not only safeguards public health but also restores confidence in the market, encouraging consumers to trust regulated food sources.

"Fake dairy products pose a serious health risk; stringent regulatory action is essential to protect consumers." – Food safety expert Dr. Anjali Verma
Did You Know?: Over 15% of food items in India are found to have some quality issue each year, exposing millions to health hazards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will the destruction of counterfeit paneer affect paneer prices in Okhla Mandi?

A: Prices are not expected to rise immediately; the department assures continuous supply of genuine, approved paneer in the market.

Q2: How can consumers verify the authenticity of paneer they purchase?

A: Check the label, manufacturing date, and FSSAI certification; when in doubt, verify through official portals or contact the Food Safety Department.