UP Crackdown Before Raksha Bandhan; Detergent, Hydrogen Peroxide in Khoya
Uttar Pradesh authorities crackdown on adulteration ahead of Raksha Bandhan, seizing adulterated khoya.
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In the days leading up to Raksha Bandhan, Uttar Pradesh authorities have intensified inspections of khoya manufacturing and distribution units across several districts. The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has reported the discovery of hazardous adulterants, including detergent, talcum powder, refined oil, and hydrogen peroxide, in dairy products. Enforcement teams have destroyed large quantities of adulterated khoya and initiated legal action against violators.
According to The Indian Express, FSDA teams conducted coordinated raids in Kanpur Dehat and Kanpur Nagar, inspecting multiple khoya manufacturing units. During these operations, 28 samples were collected, and food materials valued at approximately ₹1.5 lakh were destroyed on the spot. Officials found a range of adulterants, including hydrogen peroxide and skimmed milk powder, at several sites.
Inspections revealed that at a unit in Badshahpur village, enforcement officers discovered a cream extraction machine, khoya furnaces, 175 packets of skimmed milk powder, and about 15 litres of hydrogen peroxide. The team destroyed around 100 kg of prepared khoya and collected samples for laboratory testing as coverage revealed. An FIR was registered under Sections 274 and 275 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against the operator.
At another manufacturing site in Badshahpur, officials seized saifolite, a chemical reportedly used in khoya preparation, and initiated proceedings to cancel the unit’s food registration. In Bhola Nagar village, a separate unit was found operating under unhygienic conditions, with the operator admitting to using refined oil, hydrogenated vegetable oil, and SMP in khoya production. The prepared khoya and oil were destroyed, and the unit’s registration was suspended as analysis showed.
“Where violations are established, the department intends to act against the manufacturing units, licensing and those responsible with penal action,” an official stated.
Further action extended to major khoya markets in Kanpur, including Expressway Khoya Mandi, Fazalganj Khoya Mandi, and Hatiya Khoya Mandi. Fourteen vendors were inspected at Hatiya Khoya Mandi, with 4.3 quintals of khoya destroyed after being found stored in unhygienic conditions. Samples from these and other markets were sent for laboratory analysis as details emerged.
Officials have also reported the detection of additional adulterants such as titanium dioxide, liquid glucose, and various neutralisers, surfactants, bleaching, and whitening agents. These substances are sometimes used to alter the appearance or characteristics of dairy products, raising concerns about consumer safety during the festive season as investigations confirmed.
The FSDA has clarified that enforcement will not be limited to sample collection and laboratory reports. Where harmful chemicals or foreign fats are confirmed, products can be seized and destroyed, manufacturing halted, and food licences or registrations suspended. The government may also prohibit the sale of brands found to be in violation, including those manufactured outside Uttar Pradesh but sold within the state as enforcement continued.
Officials emphasised, “It becomes even more concerning since products such as khoya, paneer, ghee, chhena and cream are widely consumed and their demand increases during the festive season.”
In addition to Kanpur, similar crackdowns were reported in Meerut and Baghpat, where thousands of kilograms of adulterated khoya and paneer were destroyed. Food products found stored or prepared under unhygienic and insanitary conditions were seized, and samples were sent for further testing as further checks indicated.
Note: This article is produced using AI-assisted tools and is based on publicly available information. It has been reviewed by The Quint's editorial team before publishing.