New Delhi: The Union government has taken a firm stance against the rising incidence of adulteration in milk and milk-based products, announcing preparations for a nationwide special enforcement drive targeting fake paneer, khoya and other adulterated dairy items. Following reports from several parts of the country, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has instructed all states and Union Territories to act under a zero-tolerance policy against adulteration and misleading branding.
According to sources, the campaign is being launched in response to growing concerns over food safety and the serious health risks posed to consumers. FSSAI has underlined that adulteration in everyday consumption items such as milk directly threatens public health and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Focus on Illegal Factories, End-to-End Supply Chain Checks
Officials associated with FSSAI said recent investigations have revealed that adulterated paneer and khoya are often manufactured in unlicensed and illegal factories. These units allegedly use cheap chemicals, synthetic milk and other harmful substances to produce counterfeit dairy products, which are then sold in the market as genuine milk-based items.
Under the special drive, state food safety departments and regional FSSAI offices will jointly carry out comprehensive inspections across the entire supply chain — from milk production and storage to distribution and retail sale. The exercise will cover small dairy units, wholesalers as well as retail outlets to identify gaps and illegal operations.
Stricter Licensing Checks and Large-Scale Sampling
As part of the campaign, authorities will conduct rigorous checks of both licensed and unlicensed shops and manufacturing units. Samples of milk, paneer and khoya will be collected and sent for laboratory testing to verify quality and compliance with food safety standards. Inspectors will also verify whether establishments hold valid licences under existing regulations.
In cases where samples fail quality tests or raise suspicion, officials will trace the origin of the products and identify the source of adulteration within the supply chain. Based on these findings, illegal factories and associated distribution networks will be shut down to prevent further circulation of adulterated products.
Hotels and Restaurants Put on Notice
FSSAI has clarified that the enforcement action will not be limited to production units alone. Hotels, restaurants, catering services, fast food chains and pubs have also been issued strict warnings against procuring, using or selling adulterated paneer and khoya.
If any establishment is found knowingly or negligently using fake or substandard dairy products, it will face legal action, penalties and possible cancellation of licences, officials said. The regulator has emphasised that accountability will be fixed at every level of the food business chain.
Provision for Stringent Penalties
Violators of food safety norms will face stringent measures, including seizure of adulterated goods, sealing of factories, cancellation of licences and destruction of unsafe products. All inspection reports and enforcement actions will be uploaded on FSSAI’s online platform FoSCoS, enabling centralised monitoring and oversight.
States have also been asked to strengthen inter-state coordination and share local intelligence to prevent the movement of adulterated milk products across state borders, a practice that has emerged as a major challenge for enforcement agencies.
Consumer Trust at the Core
FSSAI officials said the primary objective of the special drive is to protect consumer health, curb food fraud and ensure the availability of safe and genuine milk products across the country. The regulator has reiterated that there will be no compromise on food safety standards.
Industry experts believe the move will not only deter adulterators but also help improve discipline, transparency and compliance within the dairy sector, reinforcing public confidence in milk and milk-based products.
