Major Seizure Near Kosi Kalan Border
In a major crackdown on food adulteration ahead of the upcoming festival season, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) department in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, intercepted a massive consignment of adulterated cottage cheese (paneer). Acting on confidential intelligence, food safety officials established a strategic barricade on Nandgaon Road under the Kosi Kalan police station area. During the operation, officers intercepted a Mahindra Bolero pickup vehicle traveling from the neighboring state of Rajasthan and recovered approximately 1,000 kilograms (10 quintals) of highly suspicious and contaminated paneer valued at around ₹22 lakh.
Sourced From Rajasthan Dairy Syndicate
Initial questioning of the driver revealed that the toxic consignment was loaded at a private dairy in the Kaman area of Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district. The adulterated paneer was slated for rapid distribution across wholesale markets, sweet shops, and retail dairies in Mathura city and surrounding townships. Officials noted that the chemical odor, unnatural texture, and discolored appearance of the product immediately raised alarms. Recognizing the severe health risks posed to consumers, officers drew official samples for laboratory testing before ordering the instant destruction of the entire batch using heavy machinery to dig a deep disposal pit.
Surge in Festival-Season Adulteration
With the festive season approaching, local demand for milk products, paneer, and mawa experiences a massive surge. Exploiting this demand, inter-state adulteration syndicates operate along border regions, manufacturing synthetic paneer using harmful chemicals, urea, starch, and low-grade industrial oils. Food safety authorities highlighted that this seizure marks the department’s third major action in Mathura within just 30 days, during which thousands of kilograms of synthetic dairy products originating from Rajasthan border belts have been confiscated and destroyed.
Strict Warnings and Ongoing Investigations
Speaking on the action, senior food safety officials reaffirmed that zero tolerance will be maintained against traders and suppliers endangering public health. Criminal cases are being registered under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA) against the dairy owner in Kaman as well as the local receivers involved in the supply network. The department has intensified round-the-clock vigil at all key entry routes connecting Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to prevent sub-standard and toxic food items from reaching festive markets.
