The health department has destroyed 1,800 litres of milk and 1,200 kg of paneer after laboratory tests found that the seized food products failed to meet prescribed quality standards at a paneer manufacturing factory in Sundra village, Dera Bassi, Punjab.
The action comes as the health department has intensified food safety drives across the area ahead of the festive season. Various inspections are being conducted to check the quality of food products being prepared and sold to consumers.
Last week, health officials also carried out inspections of bakeries and sweet shops as part of the festive-season food safety checks.
Factory raided after tip-off
A few days ago, the health department conducted a raid at the paneer manufacturing facility in Sundra village following a tip-off.
During the inspection, officials reportedly found several deficiencies in the conditions and hygiene arrangements at the facility where food products were being prepared.
The team seized approximately 1,200 kg of paneer and 1,800 litres of milk and sent samples for laboratory testing. Samples of other food products manufactured at the facility were also collected.
Samples fail prescribed standards
After the laboratory reports were received, officials found that the seized milk and paneer did not meet the prescribed quality standards.
Following the test results, the department destroyed the 1,200 kg of paneer and 1,800 litres of milk that had been seized during the inspection.
Factory sealed, legal action initiated
The District Health Officer said the factory has been sealed following the findings.
Legal proceedings have also been initiated against the operators under the relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Officials said food safety violations would be dealt with according to law and that inspections would continue across the area.
More inspections planned during festive season
With the festive season underway, the health department is continuing its special food safety drives, with particular focus on products such as milk, paneer, sweets and bakery items.
Officials said inspections of sweet shops, bakeries and other food establishments would continue in the coming days, while samples would be collected wherever required.
The department has warned food businesses to comply with prescribed food safety and quality standards and said action would be taken where violations are found