Bhubaneswar: Amid the ongoing crackdown on adulterated dairy products, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik on Tuesday assured that the Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (OMFED) maintains uncompromising standards of purity and quality in its paneer production and could scale up output to meet rising demand in the state.
Addressing questions about OMFED’s cottage cheese, Mallik emphasised that the federation does not compromise on product quality or purity. A rigorous three-tier quality testing system is in place: fat and SNF (Solid-Not-Fat) levels are checked during procurement from dairy farmers, further testing occurs at processing plants for quality parameters, and a final round of checks is conducted before packaging and release to the market. “All products strictly adhere to the safety guidelines and quality standards prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Vacuum packaging is used to keep the paneer fresh for up to 10 days.”
On concerns about the possible use of milk powder, the minister stated that processing adheres strictly to prescribed food safety standards without compromising product safety or quality.
Mallik further noted that OMFED produces around one tonne of paneer per day. During the festive season, production is increased to nearly three tonnes a day depending on market demand. Daily milk procurement ranges between 5.5 lakh and 8 lakh litres, enabling the federation to scale paneer production further if required. “If there is a requirement for more paneer in the market, OMFED will increase its production,” the minister said.
He stressed that OMFED follows strict quality standards and does not resort to adulteration, adding that any irregularity found in its operations would invite strict action.
The minister’s statements come amid mounting health concerns after municipal bodies launched extensive raids across major commercial hubs in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, where teams have seized large quantities of adulterated paneer, chhena and other unhygienic food items. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) seized nearly 100 kg of stale paneer from shops and hotels on Monday, with around two quintals destroyed over two days after being found unfit for consumption; fines of Rs 12,000 were imposed on 12 shop owners, and samples were sent for laboratory tests.
The Kataka Municipal Corporation (CMC), in coordination with food safety officials, has also seized around 70 quintals of suspected adulterated paneer valued at around Rs 17 lakh from multiple locations, including vehicles and suppliers, with the stock later destroyed. Adulterants such as maida, starch and other substances were suspected in several cases. Additionally, 50 kg of adulterated paneer was seized and destroyed in Badambadi area on Monday.
Inspections are currently underway at multiple sweet shops, including those near Pahala, as part of the crackdown.
The intensified checks, ordered by Food Safety Commissioner Poma Tudu ahead of the festive season when demand for sweets and dairy products typically surges, aim to curb the sale of contaminated or synthetic products that pose serious health risks.