Gandhinagar, June 16 (IANS) A statewide enforcement operation against adulterated and substandard food products in Gujarat has led to action against more than 2.21 lakh kg/litre of goods valued at more than Rs 5.89 crore, as authorities intensified checks on ghee, edible oil, milk and paneer across multiple districts.
The drive was conducted by the state’s Food and Drugs Regulatory Authority as part of a “zero-tolerance enforcement” policy aimed at ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
Inspections were carried out across supply chains, covering both branded and loose-sale products.
According to official data from the operation, action was taken against 39,787 kg of ghee, 1,67,256.60 kg/litre of edible oil, 675.40 kg of milk and milk products, and 5,229 kg of paneer.
The combined estimated value of the affected stock included Rs 2,38,72,200 for ghee, Rs 3,34,51,320 for edible oil, Rs 47,250 for milk and milk products, and Rs 15,68,700 for paneer.
Checks were conducted across districts, including Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Vadodara, Gandhinagar, Mehsana, Banaskantha, Patan, Navsari, Valsad, Dahod, Kutch, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Surendranagar and Panchmahal, along with other parts of Gujarat.
State Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said the government would not compromise on public health. “The state government will not make any compromise with citizens’ health,” he said, adding that strict action against adulterated and substandard food products would continue.
He further stated that enforcement of food safety laws would be strengthened through regular sampling, inspections and raids across the state.
In parallel with the statewide drive, annual enforcement data for 2025-26 shows continued regulatory action against non-compliant food products.
In the case of milk, 1,282 samples were collected, of which 66 were found non-conforming.
Authorities registered 50 cases and imposed penalties totalling Rs 25,19,000, while stock worth Rs 47,250 was seized.
For ghee, 696 samples were tested, with 205 found non-conforming. Enforcement action resulted in 163 cases and fines amounting to Rs 2,03,77,700, following seizure of stock valued at Rs 2,38,72,200.
In the category of paneer and other dairy products, 1,406 samples were analysed, with 195 found non-compliant. A total of 136 cases were filed, and penalties of Rs 35,57,000 were imposed against seized stock worth Rs 15,68,700.
For edible oil, 1,036 samples were examined, of which 85 were found non-conforming. Authorities registered 87 cases and imposed fines totalling Rs 90,26,500 against seized stock valued at Rs 3,34,51,320.
Officials said the enforcement programme will continue with intensified monitoring and routine sampling to curb adulteration and ensure adherence to food safety regulations across Gujarat.
–IANS
mys/uk
