Business · India Bureau
Food regulator seizes 10 tonnes of counterfeit paneer in Pune operation
Maharashtra's food and drug administration has busted a major dairy fraud racket, impounding large quantities of fake paneer and khoya suspected to have originated from Karnataka. The seizure points to a widespread distribution network across the state.
LSN India ·
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials in Pune have seized approximately 10 tonnes of counterfeit paneer and 5,000 kg of adulterated khoya in a significant enforcement action against dairy product counterfeiting. The operation has exposed what authorities describe as an organised scheme to manufacture and distribute substandard dairy products across Maharashtra on a considerable scale.
Investigations suggest the compromised consignment originated from production facilities in Karnataka before being channelled into the Maharashtra market through an extensive distribution network. The FDA's discovery underscores ongoing concerns about food safety standards and the prevalence of counterfeit dairy products in the regional supply chain.
The seizure marks the latest in a series of raids targeting adulterated food products across western India. Authorities have initiated further enquiries to identify all parties involved in the manufacturing, transportation, and sale of the fake products. The investigation is continuing to determine the full extent of the operation and the quantity of substandard products that may have already reached consumers.
Dairy product fraud remains a persistent challenge for food regulators across India, with counterfeit paneer and khoya particularly vulnerable to adulteration due to their high market demand and relatively straightforward production processes. The FDA has urged consumers to source dairy products from authorised dealers and report suspected counterfeits to local authorities.