60 Kg suspected paneer destroyed in Guruharsahai, food safety team sends samples for lab testing

Ferozepur, July 28, 2026: Acting on a tip-off, the Health Department's Food Safety Wing destroyed around 60 kg of suspected paneer after intercepting a car carrying the consignment at Lightan Wala Chowk in Guruharsahai. Three samples have been sent to the State Food Laboratory in Chandigarh for detailed analysis, and further legal action will depend on the test reports.
Food Safety Officer Abhinav Khosla said the department had received information that suspected paneer was being regularly supplied to Ferozepur district from the Fazilka-Abohar region. Following the input, a naka was set up in Guruharsahai, where the vehicle was stopped and searched.
During the inspection, officials found four blue plastic drums inside the car. Three drums contained paneer submerged in water, while one drum was empty. The paneer emitted a foul smell and appeared to be of suspicious quality. The remaining stock was destroyed on the spot to prevent it from reaching the market.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the paneer was allegedly brought from Fazilka to Guruharsahai every alternate day. Officials said it was reportedly purchased for around ₹200-250 per kg and sold in the local market for ₹450-500 per kg. The department is now tracing whether the consignment had been supplied to sweet shops, dhabas, hotels or other food business operators in the district.
Khosla said one sample has been sent for a complete quality analysis, while the second will be tested for refined fat, foreign fat and vegetable fat. The third sample will be examined for the presence of chemicals such as formalin and hydrogen peroxide to determine whether the paneer was made from natural milk or contained synthetic or adulterated substances.
Health officials warned that prolonged consumption of adulterated or synthetic paneer could seriously affect the stomach, liver and other internal organs. They said strict action will be initiated against the supplier, vendors and others found responsible if the laboratory confirms violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The department has also appealed to the public to report any suspected sale of adulterated food items.