1. Paneer samples found adulterated
Tribune News Service
Dehradun, April 21
The results of tests on samples of ‘paneer’ seized by the Health Department in Dehradun have indicated
high degree of adulteration.
The samples, seized in January, were being sold openly at provisional stores. They were sent to a
testing laboratory in Lucknow.
“The ‘paneer’ was sold under the brand name of Gopaljee, a Bulandshahar-based plant. The quality of
other products of the company, including milk and curds, is also being monitored,” said GC
Baunthiyal, CMO, Doon Hospital.
The sample was seized by food inspector Ramesh Singh from Selaqui (Dehradun) during a surprise
check.
The State Health Department is also keeping an eye on the quality of other food products being sold in
the market especially ice creams, cold drinks and milk. “We have undertaken surprise checks at
factories in the adjoining areas of Dehradun. First, the micro-biological and chemical analysis of water
is conducted. Then, the tests for colours are conducted.
“Only the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standard)-permitted food colours should be used in ice creams. Sugar
and milk is also put to the test,” said GC Kandwal, chief food inspector.
Checks at various provision and grocery shops are also under way to monitor the quality of cold drinks
being sold. During raids, several shops were found to be selling cold drinks past their expiry date.
The health department is also carrying checks at various milk outlets as there have been reports about
adulteration in milk coming from Saharanpur and Muzafarnagar in Uttar Pradesh.