Raipur, Chhattisgarh – The Food and Drug Administration in Raipur has uncovered a significant racket involving counterfeit paneer and illegal chemical manufacturing. Over 1,500 kilograms of fake paneer was seized in a pre-festival crackdown. The authorities were acting in advance of the Raksha Bandhan and Independence Day celebrations. Simultaneously, raids were conducted on illegal factories producing phenyl and acid in the Gudhiyari, Bhathagaon, and Tatibandh areas.
A team of food safety officers, including Siddharth Pandey, Ehsan Tigga, and Satish Raj, conducted the operation at Raipur railway station and Bhathagaon bus stand, resulting in the seizure of 1,535 kilograms of paneer. The product was traced to Shri Dairy & Sweets, Boriya Khurd, with an estimated market value of approximately Rs 3.34 lakh. Samples were taken, and the paneer was sealed and stored according to regulations. Further inspections are taking place at additional locations.
In the parallel operation, the Food and Drug department targeted illegal factories producing phenyl and acid. These factories were found to be producing highly corrosive acid, which lacked proper safety measures and posed a health risk. The department has closed the factories and started legal procedures.