Paneer Adulteration / Paneer Adulteration Row Rocks Odisha, 11 Booked

Kataka, Sep 29: Kataka has become the epicentre of a heated controversy over adulterated dairy products, with the debate around Niali chhena and paneer sparking political and social uproar.

The issue escalated after laboratory reports confirmed that paneer samples seized in the city contained harmful substances such as detergent and flour.

Following the findings, the Kataka Municipal Corporation (KMC) health department lodged complaints against 11 individuals, including small vendors and farmers, at Madhupatna police station.

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The crackdown began on August 19, when KMC officials raided several establishments in Madhupatna and collected samples from 13 traders. Tests revealed adulteration in 11 of them, prompting legal action under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The matter has also reached the Odisha Assembly.

Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling informed legislators that “18 independent drives were conducted across the state to check adulteration in paneer and chhena. In Kataka alone, 71 quintals of paneer were destroyed. Cases have been registered under BNS Sections 275, 318, and 435.”

He further revealed that in the past two years, fines amounting to ₹95.91 lakh were collected, 413 cases registered, and over 7,392 legal samples taken across Odisha.

Meanwhile, the Utkal Yadav Mahasabha has questioned the process. Its working president Subas Behera asked why samples were tested outside Odisha labs and argued that “powder is openly sold in markets; if mixed in paneer, what is the problem?” He criticized authorities for not taking stronger police action against offenders.

The controversy has stirred political debate, with opposition parties demanding stricter enforcement and consumer groups calling for transparency in food safety checks.

The revelations have also raised public concern about the quality of dairy products sold in local markets, especially in Kataka, a hub for milk and paneer trade.