In a startling revelation that has sent shockwaves through the consumer market, the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has uncovered widespread adulteration in dairy products across the state. Recent inspections have revealed that manufacturers are using highly dangerous substances, including detergents, talcum powder, refined oils, and hydrogen peroxide, to prepare staples like 'khoya'.

With major festivals like Raksha Bandhan approaching, the authorities have intensified their crackdown to prevent the sale of contaminated food. The department has issued strict directives to officials to move beyond mere sample collection and initiate direct punitive actions against manufacturing units, storage facilities, and even established brands found guilty of malpractice.

Massive Raids in Kanpur Region

During a coordinated drive in the Kanpur Dehat and Kanpur Nagar districts, 24 specialized teams inspected various khoya manufacturing hubs. The operation resulted in the collection of 28 samples and the immediate destruction of adulterated food materials and suspected adulterants with an estimated value of approximately ₹1.50 lakh. In Kanpur Dehat, an FIR was registered under Sections 274 and 275 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

In the Badshahpur area of Rasoolabad, enforcement teams discovered a manufacturing setup equipped with cream extraction machines, khoya furnaces, Skimmed Milk Powder (SMP), and hydrogen peroxide. Approximately 100 kg of prepared khoya was destroyed on-site. Additionally, 175 packets of SMP and 15 liters of hydrogen peroxide were seized for laboratory testing.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the use of industrial-grade chemicals like surfactants, bleaching agents, and titanium dioxide in food production represents a significant public health crisis. These substances are often used to artificially alter the appearance, color, or texture of dairy products to meet perceived market standards, posing severe long-term health risks to consumers.

The new enforcement strategy ensures that violations lead to immediate penal action against manufacturers, rather than waiting indefinitely for laboratory reports.

The crackdown also targeted major markets such as the Expressway Khoya Mandi and Fazalganj Khoya Mandi. In one instance, an operator in Jhinjhak admitted to using refined soybean oil and hydrogenated vegetable oil to prepare khoya, leading to the immediate suspension of his food registration.

The FSDA has warned that if a brand's dairy products are confirmed to contain harmful chemicals or foreign fats, the government possesses the authority to prohibit the sale of that brand across the entire state. This restriction applies to both locally manufactured goods and products brought in from other states.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What specific chemicals were found in the dairy products?
Inspections found detergent, talcum powder, hydrogen peroxide, refined oil, and titanium dioxide being used.

2. Can the government ban a specific brand of milk or khoya?
Yes, if harmful chemicals are detected, the government can prohibit the sale of that specific brand throughout Uttar Pradesh.