Paneer manufacturing factory was running without license in Mangalore, raid revealed

Dehradun/Haridwar, March 09, 2025

A state-wide special campaign against food adulteration is being conducted in Uttarakhand in view of Holi. On March 7, paneer and mawa were being distributed from a private vehicle in the Vikasnagar area of Dehradun. Upon investigation, it was found that these items were brought from the Mangalore area of Haridwar district. Following the instructions of the Food Safety Commissioner of Uttarakhand, a raid was conducted on March 9, 2025, revealing that an unauthorized paneer manufacturing unit was operating in Mangalore. One quintal of paneer was destroyed on the spot.

Under the leadership of Joint Commissioner Dr. R.K. Singh, Haridwar District Food Safety Officer Mahimanand Joshi, Senior Food Safety Officers Yogendra Pandey and Dilip Jain, along with police personnel, raided the factory. During the inspection, large-scale paneer production was found being carried out without a license.

The team seized approximately one quintal of adulterated paneer, adulterated palm oil, refined oil, and other harmful chemicals. At first glance, the paneer appeared to be adulterated, following which food safety officials collected samples for laboratory testing as per regulations and destroyed one quintal of paneer on-site.

In addition, legal action has been initiated against the factory under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, as the unit was operating without a valid license.

“We have a zero-tolerance policy against food adulteration in the state. Our priority is to ensure pure and safe food products for the public, especially during major festivals like Holi. Such actions will continue, and food safety officers have been strictly instructed to take stringent measures against those involved in adulteration.”
— Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar, Commissioner

“Our team is continuously inspecting food items in the markets. Based on the laboratory test reports of the adulterated paneer found in this raid, strict legal action will be taken against the culprits. We appeal to consumers to immediately inform the Food Safety Department if they suspect the quality of any food product.”
— Tajbar Singh Jaggi, Additional Commissioner

Anti-Adulteration Campaign to Continue in the State During Holi

The Food Safety and Drug Administration of Uttarakhand has warned that strict action will be taken against those selling adulterated food items during festivals. The department has also urged the public to report any suspicion regarding the sale of adulterated food products so that strict measures can be taken in time.

For complaints regarding food adulteration, contact:

Food Safety Helpline: 18001804246
Email: food.safety@uttarakhand.gov.in