FSSAI crackdown on adulterated milk, paneer, and khoya

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced a nationwide special enforcement drive to combat the adulteration and misbranding of milk and milk products, with a sharp focus on paneer and khoya, two widely consumed dairy items, media reports said.

The directive mandates all states and union territories to conduct intensive inspections and raids across both licensed and unlicensed dairy units. The move follows growing concerns over contaminated dairy supplies and their potential health risks, particularly for children and the elderly.

Under the new enforcement order, authorities have been instructed to take strict punitive measures, including the immediate closure of illegal units and seizure of unsafe products. Offending manufacturers and sellers face suspension or cancellation of their FSSAI licences. Officials are also required to trace the sources of adulteration to dismantle the broader networks involved in producing and distributing tainted dairy products.

To ensure transparency and accountability, all inspection data and progress reports will be uploaded to the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) for real-time monitoring by FSSAI.

The regulator has also extended the scope of its scrutiny to the hospitality sector, warning hotels, restaurants, pubs, and caterers against serving or purchasing adulterated paneer. Establishments found violating safety norms will be held directly liable for any infractions detected on their premises.

In addition, FSSAI’s regional directors have been tasked with strengthening inter-state coordination to curb the cross-border movement of contaminated milk and dairy products.

The special enforcement drive comes in response to a surge in reports of unsafe and spurious dairy items being sold in local markets. Many of these products were found to contain hazardous contaminants such as detergents, urea, starch, sucrose, and synthetic chemicals, posing severe health risks.

Officials noted that the initiative builds on a similar operation conducted earlier in 2025 during the festive season, when the demand for milk-based sweets and products typically spikes. The FSSAI said it aims to ensure that “no unsafe or adulterated milk product reaches consumers” during the current enforcement period.

Antibiotics in Eggs

The FSSAI has also begun collecting samples of a popular egg brand for testing after a viral social media video alleged that the product contained traces of nitrofurans, a banned antibiotic linked to potential cancer risks.

Media reports said FSSAI has directed its food safety officers to gather both branded and unbranded egg samples from across the country. These will be tested in ten designated laboratories to verify the claims. The move comes amid public concern over food safety and the possible illegal use of antibiotics in poultry farming.

The controversy erupted after the video specifically named Eggoz, claiming its eggs contained residues of the banned substance. In response, the company issued a public statement denying the allegations and emphasizing transparency. Eggoz said it had uploaded the latest lab reports (dated December 25) on its website, affirming the safety and quality of its products.

Reassuring consumers, the company stated that it remains committed to maintaining high standards “across farms and processes” and thanked the public for their trust and patience.