Punjab faces a growing food safety crisis as nearly half of the milk and dairy products tested in the last three years failed quality checks. An FSSAI report shows that of 1,915 samples collected across the state, 902 were found adulterated. The highest failure rate was recorded in paneer, where chemicals, starch and sucrose were frequently detected. In 2024–25 alone, 531 samples were tested, and 255 contained adulterants.
Authorities reported that substandard paneer and dairy products are also entering Punjab from neighbouring states, increasing the health risks for consumers. Haryana and Uttar Pradesh recorded similar patterns, with hundreds of unsafe samples detected. Punjab’s health department recently seized large consignments of fake paneer in Rajpura and Patiala during routine checks. Mobile food-testing vans continue to conduct on-the-spot inspections, and officials have urged citizens to get suspicious food items tested to prevent serious health hazards.
