KARTIK SAHU, OP
Kataka: Laboratory tests have confirmed adulteration in chhena and paneer brought from Niali to Kataka, with starch and detergent detected in the products, a Kataka Municipal Corporation (KMC) food safety official said.
The KMC food safety team had seized and destroyed 70 quintals of suspected adulterated paneer brought to the city in 17 vehicles August 19. The consignment was destroyed at Satichaura. According to officials, KMC food safety teams had conducted raids at several hotels shortly before Raksha Bandhan. Rapid iodine tests on chhena and paneer seized from various establishments indicated adulteration. Samples collected during subsequent raids also tested positive for starch in preliminary tests and were destroyed immediately.
The samples were later sent to a laboratory in Bhubaneswar for detailed examination. The laboratory report has now confirmed the presence of starch and detergent in the chhena and paneer, KMC Food Safety Officer Rashmita Behera said. Statements of the traders concerned were recorded, and notices were subsequently issued to them. During questioning, some traders allegedly admitted to mixing flour, arrowroot powder and Palmolein oil with milk to prepare adulterated paneer.
Officials said unscrupulous traders were taking advantage of increased demand for dairy products during the festive season to make higher profits. As Niali falls outside the KMC jurisdiction, the matter was brought to the attention of the district chief medical officer for further investigation. The test report has also been submitted to the State Food Safety Commissioner. “Further action will be taken according to the directions issued by the commissioner,” Behera said.
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