In a significant fight against food fraud, the Gujarat Food and Drugs Department (FDA) conducted a raid on Divine Food factory in Vijapur, Mehsana. This factory was found to be producing fake paneer using palmolein oil and industrial-grade acetic acid instead of real milk. The owner, Shaileshkumar Kantilal Patel, allegedly sold this counterfeit paneer at ₹200 per kg, which is about half the price of genuine paneer. The fake products were shipped to various cities, including Ahmedabad.
During the raid, officials seized 649 kg of adulterated paneer and 238 kg of palmolein oil, valued at around ₹1.61 lakh. The FDA has sent samples of the seized items for laboratory testing. Further actions will be taken based on the test results. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring food safety and protecting public health.
This raid is part of a larger effort by the FDA to combat food adulteration in the region. Just days before this raid, another significant operation took place in Kadi, where over 2,300 kg of adulterated paneer was seized from Keshvi Food Products. This unit was also operating without a valid food license and was using edible vegetable fat in its products. The paneer from this operation was being sold at ₹240 per kg to local eateries in Ahmedabad and surrounding areas.
The FDA has been monitoring food safety closely, and officials are currently investigating various establishments, including highway hotels, to identify those involved in the adulteration racket. Commissioner H.G. Koshia has stated that the authorities are determined to root out these illegal practices.
Consumer awareness is crucial in these situations. Many people may not be aware of how fake products can harm their health. The FDA encourages consumers to be vigilant and report any suspicious food products they encounter in the market. Buying from trusted sources and checking for quality certifications can help ensure that consumers receive safe and authentic food products.
The FSSAI has launched various initiatives to educate the public about food safety and the importance of consuming genuine products. They emphasize that food adulteration not only affects health but also undermines the trust of consumers in food safety systems.
Authorities have made it clear that anyone found guilty of food adulteration will face strict legal consequences. The aim is to create a safer food environment for everyone, especially in a time when public health is of utmost importance.
As the investigation continues, the FDA remains committed to taking necessary actions against those who compromise food safety. The public is encouraged to stay informed and involved in ensuring the integrity of food products in the market. With collective efforts, it is hoped that incidents of food adulteration will decrease, leading to healthier choices for consumers across Gujarat.