Festival Food Safety Campaign: FDA Cracks Down on Adulterated Milk & Cheese in Mumbai in 2 weeks

The Food and Drug Administration has increased inspections in Mumbai to prevent food adulteration as the festive season begins. Officials have destroyed 218 kilograms of tainted cheese and 478 litres of adulterated milk since August 11. They have also inspected 42 food businesses and collected 55 food samples for laboratory testing.

The FDA campaign, “Tyohar Maharashtra Ka, Sankalp Khadya Suraksha Ka,” is being held from August 11 to October 25. The drive focuses on food safety during Ganeshotsav, Navratri, Dussehra, Diwali, and Christmas, when demand for khoya, sweets, paneer, ghee, curd, edible oils, farsan, semolina, flour, gram flour, and dry fruits is at its peak.

During a major raid at Antop Hill, FDA officers seized cheese analogue being sold without labels. About 218 kilograms of the stock were destroyed immediately to stop its sale as paneer in the market. Samples were preserved for testing. The seized stock was valued at INR 54,625, according to FDA Joint Commissioner (Food) Mangesh Mane.

In another case in Dahisar, officers destroyed 478 litres of milk that was found unsafe for consumption. Officials said an adulterator had been mixing milk from different brands. The entire stock was seized and discarded on the spot.

Consumers can report suspected food adulteration by calling the Food Safety and Standards Authority helpline at 1800 222 365. Authorities have asked consumers to remain alert while buying food during the holiday season. People are advised against buying sweets and other food products from street vendors or hawkers, who often avoid quality checks.