Raipur – A major operation by the Food and Drug Administration in Raipur has resulted in the seizure of over 1,500 kilograms of counterfeit paneer. The raids were conducted ahead of Raksha Bandhan and Independence Day, with the aim of preventing the distribution of substandard products during the festive season. Alongside the paneer seizure, the authorities also took action against illicit manufacturing units producing phenyl and acid in the Gudhiyari, Bhathagaon, and Tatibandh areas.
The joint operation, led by food safety officers Siddharth Pandey, Ehsan Tigga, and Satish Raj, targeted the Raipur railway station and Bhathagaon bus stand. The confiscated paneer, weighing 1,535 kilograms, was linked to Shri Dairy & Sweets, Boriya Khurd. The estimated market value of the seized goods is around Rs 3.34 lakh. Legal samples were collected, and the paneer was sealed and stored safely. Inspections are also ongoing at other establishments in the city.
In a separate move, the Food and Drug department raided illegal factories where phenyl and acid were being produced. The acid produced was highly corrosive and lacked essential safety information, including labels and warnings, posing a significant risk to the public. The department has sealed the premises and initiated legal proceedings.