FDCA raids Dwarkesh Dairy Products in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, seizing 1,500 kilos of contaminated paneer. Adulterants like palm oil and acetic acid were found. Strict legal actions are underway.
The Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA), a government agency responsible for ensuring food and drug safety, conducted a raid at Dwarkesh Dairy Products in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Acting on a confidential tip-off, the FDCA’s special squad from Gandhinagar seized 1,500 kilos of adulterated paneer and raw materials used in its production.
The raid, carried out on February 4, 2025, uncovered adulterants such as palm oil and industrial-grade acetic acid, allegedly being used in the manufacturing process. Authorities collected three samples from the site for further testing, while the remaining stock—valued at $3,800 (Rs 3.15 lakh)—was confiscated to protect public health.
Rising Concerns Over Food Safety in Gujarat
According to FDCA officials, the Gujarat government remains committed to ensuring safe and hygienic food for its citizens. Authorities have assured strict legal action against individuals or businesses involved in food adulteration.
Between April and September 2024, Gujarat authorities tested 4,316 food samples, of which 360 (8.3%) failed to meet safety standards. The failure rates in the past three fiscal years were:
- 824 samples (2021-22)
- 978 samples (2022-23)
- 910 samples (2023-24)
In October 2024, FDCA’s 15-day enforcement drive resulted in the seizure of 233 tonnes of suspected adulterated food products across Gujarat. Earlier, in April 2024, officials confiscated over 60,000 kg of adulterated spices, including chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, and pickle masala.
Enforcement Challenges and Lead Contamination Concerns
Despite ongoing crackdowns, legal action against food adulterators remains limited. Over the past three years, authorities evaluated 41,509 food samples, yet only 4,506 civil complaints and 168 criminal cases were filed—an 11.2% prosecution rate.
A separate survey by Pure Earth raised concerns over lead contamination in foodware in Gujarat. The study found that:
- 95% of metallic foodware samples exceeded safe lead levels.
- 77% of ceramic foodware samples were also contaminated.
- However, staple foods, spices, plastic foodware, cosmetics, and toys showed minimal lead contamination.
Food Safety Inspections Across India
Beyond Gujarat, food safety enforcement is gaining momentum in Telangana, where authorities have been inspecting restaurants, bakeries, cloud kitchens, and food manufacturing units. Similar raids have been conducted in multiple states as part of a nationwide crackdown on food adulteration.
Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of food contamination to ensure consumer safety.
