Largest Dairy Adulteration Seizure in Dhanbad Raises Alarm Ahead of Festive Season
Dhanbad | 22 July 2025 — In what officials are calling the largest seizure of adulterated dairy products in Dhanbad, the Food Safety Department intercepted a private bus near Rangatand and confiscated over 900 kilograms of suspected adulterated dairy and sweet items. The vehicle had reportedly arrived from Patna and was allegedly en route to Deoghar, possibly for the Shravani Mela, a major religious festival where demand for milk-based sweets surges.
Seized Items at a Glance
- 780 kg Paneer
- 60 kg Khoya
- 25 kg Laddus
- 25 kg Peda
On-the-Spot Chemical Testing Reveals High Adulteration
Officials conducted immediate field tests using iodine and other food reagents. According to Raja Kumar, Food Safety Officer, the paneer samples turned an unusually dark color, indicating high levels of starch or synthetic additives, a common malpractice in counterfeit dairy products.
“The visual reaction to iodine clearly signaled adulteration. This was not just a quality issue but a serious public health threat,” Kumar said.
Potential Use in Shravani Mela Raises Concerns
The department suspects the adulterated batch was likely intended for mass distribution as ‘prasad’ during Shravani Mela in Deoghar — a period marked by a spike in consumption of khoya-based and paneer sweets.
“Transporting unregulated dairy products during festivals puts thousands of devotees at health risk,” Kumar noted, emphasizing the gravity of such untracked distribution.
Transport Violation and Public Advisory
A notice will be issued to the bus owner for illegal transportation of perishable food items, which is a direct violation of food safety and transport norms.
“Moving perishable goods like paneer and khoya without refrigeration or food-grade containers is dangerous. This case reflects blatant disregard for food safety protocols,” Kumar added.
He also urged consumers to be proactive with basic adulteration checks at home.
Public Tip: How to Check for Adulterated Paneer
Kumar advised citizens to keep tincture iodine at home and follow a simple test:
- Place a small paneer sample on a plate.
- Add a few drops of tincture iodine.
- If it turns dark blue or black, the product is likely adulterated with starch.
- If it stays unchanged, it’s likely safe.
“Awareness is your first defense. Especially during festive seasons, be cautious about dairy purchases from unverified vendors,” Kumar emphasized.
📍 Relevance for the Indian Dairy Industry
- Highlights gaps in dairy product traceability during high-demand seasons.
- Raises questions about interstate dairy regulation and unmonitored bulk transport.
- Urges for consumer education and food safety vigilance, especially around festivals.
