Uttar Pradesh Food Safety Officials Discover 2.5 Tonnes of Counterfeit Paneer and Over 13,000 Liters of Phony Bottled Water
On May 26, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) revealed that 2,500 kilograms of adulterated paneer had been confiscated and destroyed in Gorakhpur, following food safety checks conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration. In addition to the adulterated paneer, authorities also destroyed 800 liters of contaminated milk during the raids at paneer factories.
Authorities are currently examining over 10 samples collected from the factories, and have reported seizing large quantities of harmful substances, including synthetic colors and saccharin. The FSSAI has initiated an investigation into the factories involved in the production of the adulterated paneer.
Additionally, the FSSAI and the UP Food Safety Administration have launched an investigation into bottled water manufacturing in Gautam Buddha Nagar. Officers seized 13,076 liters of fake packaged drinking water and sealed two units, which were found to be operating without valid FSSAI licenses. The counterfeit water was being sold under labels resembling those of the popular brand 'Bisleri'.
The FSSAI shared visuals of the confiscated paneer and milk on their social media platforms, stating, "Food Safety Team in UP busts fake paneer racket!" Authorities urge consumers to purchase food products such as paneer, milk, and packaged water only from trusted sources, and to carefully inspect packaging and labels before making a purchase.
The Food Safety Department has been actively conducting inspections and drives against adulteration across India, with the FSSAI involved in nationwide surveillance and standards development for food products. No specific reports regarding additional seizures of fake packaged drinking water in Uttar Pradesh during May 2025 were found in the search results.
According to enrichment data, in a separate incident in May 2025, authorities seized 4,800 kilograms of adulterated paneer on the Agra Expressway, being transported from Mathura to Lucknow in three trucks. The operation was conducted by the Food Safety Department, highlighting their efforts to combat food adulteration in the region.
The Food Safety Department continued their efforts to ensure health-and-wellness by investigating potential adulteration in food products, such as paneer and packaged water, across various regions. In light of the seizures, it's crucial for consumers to prioritize purchasing nutritious foods from reliable sources.
