Gautam Budh Nagar, February 24, 2026:
The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) department has intensified inspection drives across the district ahead of the Holi festival to ensure the availability of safe and hygienic food items. Acting on the directions of the District Magistrate, food safety teams conducted early-morning raids at multiple food establishments and collected samples of dairy products for laboratory testing, while suspected adulterated paneer was destroyed on the spot.
According to Assistant Commissioner (Food) II Sarvesh Mishra, the department has launched a focused enforcement campaign to prevent the sale and distribution of adulterated food items, particularly dairy products such as paneer and khoya, which witness increased demand during festive seasons like Holi. He stated that the objective of the drive is to safeguard public health and ensure that residents receive food and beverages that meet prescribed safety and quality standards.
As part of the operation, a team led by Food Safety Officers Vishal Kumar Gupta and Syed Ibadullah conducted an inspection at Chaudhary Paneer Bhandar located in Tilpata, Greater Noida. During the inspection, approximately 200 kilograms of paneer was found stored at the premises. Officials reported that the paneer appeared contaminated and prima facie suspected to be adulterated. A formal sample of the paneer was collected and sealed for laboratory analysis. Considering the potential health risk, the remaining stock of paneer was immediately destroyed in accordance with food safety regulations to prevent its sale or consumption.
In a separate inspection, another team comprising Food Safety Officers S. K. Pandey and O. P. Singh collected a sample of khoya from Ganeshwaram Restaurant located in Sector 45, Noida. Khoya, a key ingredient in many traditional sweets consumed during Holi, is often subject to adulteration due to high seasonal demand. Officials said the sample was taken following standard procedures and sent for laboratory examination to determine whether it meets the required safety and quality norms.
In a similar action, Food Safety Officers Mukesh Kumar and Vijay Bahadur Patel conducted an inspection at Gopala Sweet Shop in Sector 93, Noida. The team collected one sample of khoya from the establishment and sent it for laboratory testing. Officials noted that these routine checks are essential to detect adulteration, maintain food quality standards, and protect consumers from potential health hazards.
Overall, the department collected a total of three food samples during the day’s enforcement drive, including one paneer sample and two khoya samples. All collected samples have been sealed and dispatched to an accredited laboratory for detailed analysis. Authorities said that further action, including penalties or legal proceedings, will be initiated if the samples are found to be adulterated or in violation of food safety standards.
Assistant Commissioner Sarvesh Mishra stated that such inspection drives will continue in the coming days under the guidance of the District Magistrate, especially in view of the upcoming Holi festival, when consumption of sweets and dairy products increases significantly. He emphasised that the administration is committed to ensuring that only safe, hygienic, and standard-compliant food products are sold in the district.
He further warned food business operators against compromising on quality and hygiene, noting that strict action will be taken against establishments found violating food safety regulations. The department has also urged consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of adulteration or unhygienic food practices to the authorities.
The Food Safety and Drug Administration department conducts routine inspections throughout the year, but enforcement activities are intensified during major festivals such as Holi, Diwali, and other occasions when the demand for sweets, dairy products, and packaged food items increases sharply. Officials said these preventive measures are necessary to deter adulteration and ensure public safety.
District authorities reiterated that ensuring access to safe and pure food remains a top priority, and continuous monitoring and sampling will be carried out across Gautam Budh Nagar to protect public health during the festive season and beyond.
