Ganeshotsav is here, and the preparations are in full swing across every household in Maharashtra as they prepare to bring Lord Ganpati home. Welcoming our lord home includes preparation with a lot of fanfare, delicious sweets, and food. However, there is a lot of fake and adulterated food that is entering the city. And the Food and Drug Administration on Friday, September 11th, seized about ₹39.43 lakh worth of paneer and khoya in Pune. Here’s what happened!
FDA Seizes ₹39.43 Lakh Worth Of Paneer & Khoya
As revealed in a report by the Hindustan Times, the Food and Drug Administration carried out this incredible action in Budhwar Peth. They received information regarding a suspicious consignment being brought into Pune from neighbouring states and districts. So, the officials began tracking the vehicles for eight to 12 days before they conducted the operation. Four trucks were found carrying dairy products. The officials ended up seizing a stockpile of 12,500 KG of paneer, which is valued at ₹27.83 lakh. And even seized 4,600 KG of khoya, which is valued at ₹11.60 lakh.
Laboratory Testing To Determine Safety & Adulteration
As per the officials, the paneer was brought into Pune from Belagavi and Bagalkot in Karnataka. The fat content in the paneer appeared to be suspicious, as per the authorities, when they conducted a preliminary inspection. However, safety and quality can only be determined once the laboratory testing is done. The authorities mentioned that their samples have already been sent to the state laboratory for testing, so if the food is adulterated or unsafe, action will be taken against the suppliers, buyers, and sellers.
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Crackdown Ahead Of Ganeshotsav
It should be noted that during the investigation, it was revealed that the paneer and khoya had been intended to be supplied to about 25 to 40 traders and sweet shops in Pune city and district. The crackdown comes ahead of Ganeshotsav, when demand for sweets, paneer, khoya, and other daily products sees a sharp rise. So, the FDA has ensured that they intensify inspections in order to detect unsafe and adulterated food products.
The FDA also mentions that strict action will be taken against those who are involved in the supply chain if the food is declared to be unsafe or adulterated.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/irender Singh from Getty Images (Cover image is for representative purposes only)
FAQs
What did FDA seize in Pune recently?
FDA recently seized ₹39.43 lakh worth of paneer and khoya in Pune.
When does Ganeshotsav begin?
Ganeshotsav begins on September 14th, Monday, with devotees bringing Lord Ganesha's idol home.
