Cuttack, Odisha: As many as 275 complaints have been filed against alleged food adulterators in Niali, Cuttack, over concerns surrounding the adulteration of paneer and chhena, according to information shared by Odisha’s Health Minister in the state Assembly.
The issue has drawn increased attention after food safety authorities seized large quantities of suspected adulterated paneer from Cuttack in August. Subsequent laboratory testing has confirmed the presence of substances including starch and a detergent-like substance in samples linked to the Niali supply chain.
Niali Paneer Adulteration Case Draws Food Safety Attention
The controversy began after food safety teams carried out enforcement drives in Cuttack following complaints about the quality of chhena and paneer being supplied to the city.
In August, authorities seized around 71 quintals of paneer during raids in Cuttack. The suspected products were reportedly linked to the Niali area of Cuttack district and were sent for laboratory examination.
Earlier enforcement action also involved the seizure of paneer being transported from Niali. A separate August report said the Cuttack Municipal Corporation had seized around five quintals of suspected adulterated paneer in the Badambadi area after intercepting a vehicle carrying the product from Niali.
Laboratory Tests Confirm Adulteration
The latest laboratory findings have added to concerns over the quality of dairy products entering Cuttack markets.
According to reports, laboratory testing of the seized paneer detected starch and a detergent-like substance. Another report from OrissaPOST said laboratory tests on chhena and paneer brought from Niali confirmed the presence of starch and detergent.
Food safety officials have continued examining the seized products and the supply chain involved. Authorities are expected to take further action based on the laboratory findings and applicable food safety regulations.
Food Safety Officer Transferred Amid Probe
The case has also resulted in an administrative change within the food safety department.
Cuttack district Food Safety Officer Amita Das was transferred to Rairangpur in Mayurbhanj district, while Food Safety Officer Soumyakant Naik was posted to Cuttack. The transfer order was issued by the Food Safety Commissioner, with the order citing the need to keep vigilance over food safety violations.
The development came days after laboratory reports confirmed adulteration in the seized dairy products.
Concerns Over Paneer and Chhena Supply
Niali and nearby areas are associated with the production and supply of chhena and paneer to Cuttack and other parts of Odisha. Reports on the recent enforcement action said the products from the area are transported to markets in Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and elsewhere.
The allegations, however, do not establish that every paneer or chhena producer in Niali is involved in adulteration. Reports have also carried denials from traders regarding the alleged use of detergent in the production process.
The ongoing investigation is therefore focused on identifying the products, manufacturers and suppliers responsible for the violations found in the tested samples.
What Consumers Should Know
The episode highlights the importance of food safety checks and laboratory testing when authorities receive complaints about suspected adulteration.
Consumers who have concerns about food quality can use official food safety channels to seek information or report suspected violations. Businesses involved in manufacturing and selling dairy products are also required to comply with applicable food safety standards.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to examine the seized products, laboratory findings and supply chain involved in the Niali paneer and chhena case.
The Niali paneer adulteration case has now become a significant food safety issue in Cuttack, with 275 complaints cited in the Odisha Assembly and laboratory findings prompting further scrutiny of the dairy supply chain.
