Bhubaneswar, Sept. 28 (UDN): The Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) Health Department has filed a complaint against 11 people in connection with the alleged sale of adulterated paneer in Cuttack after laboratory analysis detected maida, starch powder and detergent in samples collected from seized dairy products.
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The complaint was lodged at Madhupatna police station after the CMC received the laboratory report on samples taken from a large consignment of paneer seized during an enforcement operation.
Samples Test Positive for Adulterants
According to officials, around 73 quintals of paneer had been seized during inspections involving 11 traders. The dairy products were reportedly transported to Cuttack from Niali.
A portion of the seized stock, estimated at around 17 quintals, was destroyed, while samples were sent to a laboratory in Haryana for detailed examination.
The test report subsequently detected detergent powder, maida and starch powder in the samples.
Adulteration Allegedly Used to Alter Paneer
The laboratory findings reportedly indicated that the substances were being used to alter the texture and composition of the paneer, including making it softer and smoother and increasing its weight.
The complaint names 11 individuals, including some small-scale farmers and vendors, in connection with the alleged adulteration and sale of the products.
The police complaint is expected to form the basis for further investigation into the source, preparation and distribution of the suspected adulterated paneer.
Consumer Safety Concerns
The findings have raised concerns over the quality of dairy products reaching consumers in Cuttack.
Paneer is widely consumed across Odisha, and the reported detection of non-food substances in seized samples has prompted renewed attention to food safety inspections and enforcement against adulteration.
Authorities have previously conducted food safety drives in several Odisha cities, including Bhubaneswar, Balasore, Berhampur and Sambalpur, following reports involving suspected adulterated paneer.
Food Safety Officer Transferred
The case had earlier led to administrative action involving Cuttack Food Safety Officer Amita Das, who was transferred on September 24 following the paneer adulteration issue reported from the Niali area.
The transfer came around the time the laboratory findings from Haryana were received, according to reports.
Further action in the case will depend on the police investigation and applicable food safety proceedings.
