🔴 By| Sonal Sharma
Pune: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has carried out a major crackdown on suspected adulterated dairy products in Pune ahead of Ganeshotsav, seizing nearly 18,000 kg of paneer and khoya during a search operation in the city’s Budhwar Peth area.
According to the latest information, FDA officials seized around 13,360 kg of paneer and 4,627 kg of khoya, taking the total quantity to approximately 17,987 kg. The seized stock was found in three trucks and was allegedly being transported and stored under unhygienic conditions.
🟡 FDA Kept Watch for 10–12 Days
The action followed an intelligence input received by the FDA. Officials said they had been collecting information about the movement of the consignments for nearly 10 to 12 days before conducting the operation.
The operation was carried out in the central Pune areas of Budhwar Peth and Shukrawar Peth, where large quantities of dairy products were reportedly being brought for distribution during the festive season.
🟡 Paneer and Khoya Worth Over Rs 43 Lakh
The latest figures indicate that the seized paneer was valued at around Rs 31.70 lakh, while the 4,627 kg khoya was valued at approximately Rs 11.56 lakh. Together, the seized dairy products were worth more than Rs 43 lakh, according to the latest official figures reported by ANI.
Earlier reports had put the quantity at around 12,500 kg of paneer and 4,600 kg of khoya, with the combined value estimated at nearly Rs 39 lakh. The figures were subsequently updated as the FDA’s operation and stock assessment progressed.
🟡 Samples Sent for Laboratory Testing
The FDA has collected samples of the seized paneer and khoya for laboratory examination. Officials will determine whether the products meet food safety and quality standards after receiving the laboratory reports.
The authorities have also indicated that further legal action will depend on the test results. The khoya seized during the operation is expected to be destroyed according to the prescribed procedure.
🟡 Karnataka and Barshi Supply Links Under Scanner
The FDA’s investigation is also examining the source and distribution network of the seized dairy products. Reports indicate that the paneer consignments were linked to areas around Belagavi and Bagalkot in Karnataka, while the khoya had been brought from Barshi in Solapur district.
The massive seizure comes at a time when demand for paneer, khoya and sweets rises sharply during Ganeshotsav. The FDA has intensified inspections to prevent suspected adulterated or unsafe food products from reaching consumers during the festive season.
The Pune action is likely to put the spotlight on the wider supply chain of dairy products entering Maharashtra and the need for strict monitoring of their quality, transportation and labelling.
