In a major crackdown on food adulteration, the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) Food Safety Department has seized more than one quintal of suspected adulterated paneer during raids at several hotels, restaurants and shops in the city.

The raids were conducted following specific complaints about the sale of adulterated paneer. A food safety team carried out surprise inspections at different establishments in the CDA area on Tuesday night and collected samples for further testing.

During the preliminary inspection, officials found that maida had allegedly been mixed with the paneer. The department also suspects that other non-food-grade ingredients may have been used in its preparation.

Officials collected paneer samples and sent them to a laboratory for detailed examination. The seized paneer was subsequently destroyed by the health department.

According to officials, the paneer being supplied to several restaurants and sweet shops in Cuttack was reportedly brought from the Niali area. Acting on information about the consignment, the CMC health team intercepted the vehicle transporting the paneer before it could be distributed to different establishments in CDA.

Officials also suspect the use of maida and a chemical powder, locally referred to as “Paras powder”, in the preparation of the suspected adulterated paneer. However, the exact composition and safety of the material will be confirmed only after laboratory testing.

Genuine paneer is primarily prepared from milk. Officials suspect that the adulterated product had a reduced milk content and was prepared by adding maida and other substances to increase its quantity and alter its texture.

Health officials warned that consumption of food containing substandard or adulterated ingredients can lead to food-borne illnesses and problems such as stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhoea. They stressed that prolonged consumption of poor-quality food can also pose health concerns.

The CMC health authorities said inspections and enforcement drives against the sale of adulterated paneer will be intensified across Cuttack in the coming days.

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