Rajasthan Food Safety Crackdown: 300kg Paneer Destroyed, Illegal Factory Sealed

In a significant move to ensure public health during the festive season, the Food Safety and Drug Control Department of Rajasthan has intensified its state-wide campaign titled 'Shuddh Aahar-Milawat Par Vaar', while on Sunday, various teams from the department conducted rigorous inspections, sampling, seizures, and sealing operations across the state to curb the menace of food adulteration. The operations resulted in the destruction of 300 kg of suspected adulterated paneer in Jaipur and the seizure of 690 kg of vegetable fat from an illegal manufacturing unit in Phalodi.

Major Action in Jaipur Headquarters

The central team from the Jaipur headquarters conducted a surprise inspection at a dairy located in the Jhotwara area. During the inspection, the officials found that a large quantity of paneer was being stored under extremely unhygienic conditions. Recognizing the potential health risks, the team immediately took samples for testing and ordered the destruction of approximately 300 kg of paneer on the spot. Preliminary assessments categorized the seized paneer as unsafe food, leading to its immediate disposal to prevent it from reaching consumers.

Illegal Factory Sealed in Phalodi

Simultaneously, a major raid was carried out in Khichan village of Phalodi district. The food safety team uncovered an illegal manufacturing unit dedicated to the production of vegetable fat. Upon entering the premises, the team discovered raw materials, packing machinery, and finished products ready for distribution. The authorities seized about 690 kg of vegetable fat and immediately sealed the manufacturing unit. This action highlights the department's commitment to dismantling unauthorized food production facilities that bypass safety standards.

Inspections and Sampling in Dholpur

The crackdown extended to the Sarmathura town of Dholpur district, where an inspection team led by Food Safety Officer Padam Singh Parmar was active, while the team visited local establishments to ensure compliance with food safety norms. During the process, samples of mixed milk were collected from a local dairy, and samples of Ghevar, a popular seasonal sweet, were taken from a sweet shop. These samples have been dispatched to the food laboratory for detailed analysis. The department has clarified that further legal action will be initiated based on the findings of the laboratory reports.

Strict Directives from Senior Officials

Gayatri Rathore, the Principal Secretary of the Medical and Health Department, emphasized that any compromise with public health wouldn't be tolerated. She stated that the department is maintaining a special vigil on essential food items such as milk, mawa, sweets, paneer, and ghee. Strict measures are being implemented against those found violating food safety standards or engaging in adulteration. The campaign aims to provide pure and safe food products to the citizens of Rajasthan, especially during the high-demand festive period.

Continued Vigilance and Public Appeal

Additional Commissioner Bhagwat Singh noted that both state and district-level teams have been instructed to maintain continuous inspection and sampling routines. He warned that if food items are found to be sub-standard, unsafe, or misbranded, punitive and prosecutorial actions will be taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act. The department has issued an appeal to food business operators to strictly adhere to hygiene, quality, and safety standards. On top of that, citizens are encouraged to report any information regarding suspicious or adulterated food items to the department to facilitate timely intervention.