Adulterated Paneer and Khua Under Scanner in Berhampur After Cuttack Crackdown

Following a major crackdown on adulterated dairy products in Cuttack, the Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) Food Safety Department has launched inspections against the alleged sale of adulterated paneer and khua in the city.

A departmental team conducted inspections at more than five paneer and milk shops in the Khalsa and Aga Sahi areas of Berhampur. During the raids, samples of paneer kept for sale were collected and subjected to preliminary tests. Officials reportedly observed a change in the colour of the paneer after iodine was applied, which they said indicated possible adulteration.

Khua samples were also tested at the shops. The colour of the khua reportedly turned black after a chemical was applied during the preliminary test, raising suspicion of adulteration.

The inspection team also found expired milk packets kept for sale at some shops. Following the findings, large quantities of paneer, khua and milk were destroyed by the department.

Officials have indicated that the registration certificates of shops found selling adulterated food products may be cancelled for seven days.

The development comes amid growing concerns over adulteration of milk-based products in Cuttack. Apart from paneer, products such as chhena, rabri and khua are also under scrutiny. Officials have raised concerns over the use of starch, powder, biscuit crumbs and other substances to increase the quantity and improve the appearance of dairy products.

In Cuttack, the municipal authorities had reportedly seized around 35 quintals of chhena and destroyed it after preliminary testing indicated excessive levels of starch. Further investigation reportedly revealed that large quantities of khua arriving from Kolkata were allegedly being adulterated near Tangi before being supplied to sweet shops.

According to the findings shared by the Cuttack authorities, some traders allegedly mix biscuit powder and various essence powders into khua before supplying it to sweet shops at lower prices for making sweets such as peda.

Authorities have also raised concerns over the alleged use of chemicals to make dairy products appear softer and fresher. The Cuttack Municipal Corporation has reportedly informed the Chief District Medical Officer about the suspected supply chain.

With adulteration concerns now emerging across multiple dairy products, health officials have indicated that regular inspections will be intensified in the coming days to check the quality and safety of milk-based food items sold in the city.