Food Safety / Black 'Khua', Discoloured Paneer: After Kataka, Brahmapur Food Safety Raid Raises Alarm

Brahmapur, Aug 21: Brahmapur Municipal Corporation’s Food Safety Department conducted raids at more than five paneer and milk shops in the city over allegations of food adulteration, a source said Friday.

The inspections were carried out in Aga Sahi area. During the raids, food safety officials collected samples of paneer kept for sale and conducted preliminary tests.

According to the department, the colour of the paneer changed after iodine was added during testing, which it said indicated possible adulteration.

'Khua' Fails Preliminary Test
The team also tested 'Khua' (dried evaporated milk solids) available at the shops. The colour of the Khua reportedly turned black after a chemical was added during the preliminary test, indicating suspected adulteration, according to the Food Safety Department.

Officials also found packets of milk past their expiry dates at some shops. Large quantities of paneer, Khua and milk were subsequently destroyed during the enforcement drive.

The registration certificates of shops found selling adulterated food are likely to be cancelled for seven days, according to information available.

Also Read: What Is Odisha Waiting For As Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat Ban Analogue Paneer?

Kataka Crackdown Raises Concerns
The development comes following a crackdown on adulterated milk products in Kataka, where authorities seized and destroyed large quantities of paneer and 'Chhena' (Indian cottage cheese).

The Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) reportedly seized around 35 quintals of Chhena, with preliminary tests indicating high levels of starch. Officials also found that large quantities of Khua brought from Kolkata were allegedly being adulterated near Tangi.

According to information gathered by the CMC, some traders were allegedly mixing biscuit powder and various essence powders into the Khua before supplying it to sweet shops, where it was used to prepare products such as peda.

Authorities also raised concerns over allegations that acids were being added to some milk-based products to make them appear softer and fresher. The CMC informed the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) of Kataka about the findings related to adulterated Khua.

health department said regular inspections would be carried out in the coming days to check the quality of milk-based food products.