Gujarat faces rising food adulteration, 198 milk and paneer samples fail safety tests

Food adulteration continues unabated in Gujarat, with offenders showing little fear of authorities. In the past three years, 198 samples of paneer and milk-based products tested by the Food and Drugs Department were found to be adulterated and harmful for consumption, raising questions about weak enforcement.

A few days ago, in Surat, 745 kg of adulterated paneer was seized from Surabhi Dairy. The dairy sold about 200 kg of paneer daily. The paneer contained glacial acetic acid, a substance dangerous to human health. Similarly, this week near Idar in Sabarkantha district, fake milk was seized from Shinga village, where soy oil and maltodextrin were being mixed into the product.

Incidents of fake ghee, adulterated milk, and paneer being sold in Gujarat have been continuing for a long time, showing that adulterators have no fear of the authorities.

According to a report by the central government, between 2022–23 and 2024–25, the Food and Drugs Control Authority collected 964 samples of paneer and milk-based products in Gujarat, of which 198 samples were unsafe and unfit for consumption. Shockingly, adulterated food items often reach the market in large quantities before lab test results are received.

Moreover, strict action is seldom taken against adulterators, allowing them to operate freely. Allegations of bribery within the FDCA have also surfaced, enabling adulterators to continue their activities without fear.

Statistics indicate large-scale corruption within the department. Officials have a duty to ensure stringent punishment for adulterators, safeguarding public health and welfare.