Ahead of the festive season, the Health Department has intensified its inspection drive across the city to curb the sale of adulterated and substandard food products. As part of this campaign, the department’s team seized approximately 4 quintals of paneer (cottage cheese) during operations at two separate locations. According to Health Department official Harjinder Pal Singh, the action was taken under the directives of the Deputy Commissioner and the Civil Surgeon. The team intercepted and inspected a vehicle loaded with paneer near Ramamandi Chowk.
During the inspection, about 150 kg of paneer was recovered from the vehicle. Questioning revealed that the consignment was intended for supply to Adampur and Hoshiarpur. Officials stated that the paneer had been purchased from a dairy in Bathinda at a reported price of approximately ₹240 per kilogram. The team collected samples from the site and sent them to a laboratory for testing; officials noted that the quality of the product would only be confirmed once the test reports are received.
Separately, the Health Department received information regarding a large quantity of paneer being unloaded outside a house in the Golden Avenue area. Upon reaching the location, the team seized approximately 250 kg of paneer. Samples from this batch have also been sent for testing. Officials stated that the paneer from both locations had been purchased at a low price and was intended for distribution to various shops, *dhabas* (roadside eateries), and restaurants across the city. The department has raised concerns regarding its quality.
In total, 400 kg of paneer has been seized across both incidents. Officials indicated that further action would be determined based on the laboratory reports; if the paneer fails to meet quality standards, it may be destroyed. The Health Department has urged the public to exercise caution when purchasing paneer and other food items offered at unusually low prices during the festive season. Additionally, the department announced plans to conduct inspections regarding paneer quality at *dhabas* and restaurants in the coming days.
