Cuttack: Days after laboratory tests confirmed adulteration in paneer seized from the district in Aug, Cuttack district food safety officer Amita Das was transferred to Mayurbhanj by the commissioner of food safety on Saturday. The laboratory report confirmed the presence of starch and a detergent-like substance in the dairy product last Wednesday, raising concerns over the quality of paneer being supplied to consumers in Cuttack and adjoining areas.Food safety officials had seized around 71 quintals of paneer during an enforcement drive in Aug. The paneer was allegedly manufactured and supplied from the Niali area of Cuttack district.Officials are expected to initiate further action against those involved in its manufacture and supply.A paneer manufacturing unit owner and member of the Odisha milk production association, requesting anonymity, said they are trying their best to maintain the food safety norms, even as a few vendors are indulging in adulteration for illegal profit in connivance with food safety officials. Lack of monitoring and a careless attitude by the officials, who don’t visit the sites or imposed any fines for years has resulted in such issues, he added.Sources said the food safety office is examining the seizure and laboratory findings to determine the next course of action against the manufacturers and suppliers. Further enforcement measures are likely to be taken in Niali and other areas linked to the supply chain.
