What’s on Your Plate? After Rotten Meat Scam, Now Synthetic Paneer in Market

21 quintals of suspected synthetic paneer, 78 tins of expired oil seized in Jammu; FDA vows zero tolerance

By Online Editor Published on Aug 23, 2025

Convener News Desk

Jammu, Aug 23: Barely weeks after Jammu and Kashmir reeled under the rotten meat scam, the Union Territory has been hit by yet another food adulteration scandal.

The Drugs and Food Control Organization (DFCO) Jammu on Saturday claimed to have seized a staggering 21 quintals of suspected synthetic paneer and 78 tins of expired mustard oil during a raid at Pandita Mohalla, Gangyal, exposing what officials described as a grave threat to public health.

The suspected synthetic paneer, which emitted a foul and putrid smell, was found stored alongside expired mustard oil in highly insanitary conditions. Officials confirmed that the stock was being operated without a valid FSSAI license and in blatant violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA).

The raid, led by Deputy Commissioner Food Safety Jammu, Madan Mangotra, and his team of Food Safety Officers, was conducted with the support of SHO Satwari, officials from Jammu Municipal Corporation, and GRP Railway Police.

Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration J&K, Smita Sethi, who supervised the operation, said samples of the suspected synthetic paneer had been lifted for laboratory analysis. “Adulterated products like these surge during summer and pose an immediate threat to public health. The department has a zero-tolerance policy against food adulteration and strict legal action has already been initiated against the offenders,” she warned.

The Commissioner further appealed to the public to remain alert and report any suspected cases of adulteration on the consumer complaint helpline 104. “These drives will continue across the UT with full rigor to curb the menace,” she added.

The fresh bust has triggered public concern, coming close on the heels of the rotten meat scam that had already shaken consumer confidence in food safety in the region. Officials said the crackdown marks another major success in the government’s intensified campaign to cleanse J&K’s food market from unscrupulous operators dealing in unsafe products.