Fake Paneer and Water Busted in Massive UP Raids

In a recent crackdown on food adulteration, the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (UP FSDA), in collaboration with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), uncovered and destroyed large quantities of fake paneer (cottage cheese), contaminated milk, and counterfeit packaged drinking water.
The raids took place in Gorakhpur and Gautam Buddha Nagar districts as part of a broader initiative to ensure food safety across the state.

Gorakhpur: 2,500 Kg of Adulterated Paneer Destroyed

A total of 2,500 kilograms of fake paneer was discovered and promptly destroyed.
800 litres of milk suspected to be unsafe for consumption were also discarded.
Authorities seized harmful substances, including synthetic food colours and saccharin, an artificial sweetener known to pose health risks if misused.

Samples of the paneer and milk were sent for laboratory testing to determine the full extent of adulteration. Investigations into the source and network of these operations are currently underway.

What Is Saccharin and Why It’s Concerning

Saccharin is a white, crystalline artificial sweetener that is often added to food and beverages to mimic sugar. While approved in small quantities, its unauthorized use, especially in dairy products, can be harmful to health. Prolonged consumption of adulterated food with such additives can lead to digestive problems, allergic reactions, or long-term health issues.

Gautam Buddha Nagar: Over 13,000 Litres of Fake Bottled Water Seized

In a follow-up raid on May 29, officials turned their attention to packaged drinking water units in Gautam Buddha Nagar. Key findings included:

13,076 litres of fake bottled water were seized.
Two water manufacturing plants were sealed for operating without valid FSSAI licences.
The water was being sold under misleading brand names like ‘Bilseri’ and ‘Blesri’, clearly intended to mimic the trusted brand Bisleri.

Samples from the seized water stock have also been sent for quality testing, and investigations are ongoing to identify the supply chain and take legal action.

FSSAI's Commitment to Public Health

The FSSAI posted pictures and videos on its official X account announcing that the Food Safety Team in Uttar Pradesh had broken up a fake paneer racket. They destroyed 2,500 kg of adulterated paneer and 800 litres of contaminated milk in Gorakhpur. In another raid in Gautam Buddha Nagar, officials also seized 13,076 litres of fake bottled water and shut down two illegal factories.
These raids highlight the critical role of food safety inspections in protecting public health and preventing the circulation of harmful or counterfeit food products in the market.

Public Advisory

Consumers are advised to:

Verify FSSAI labels on food and beverage products.
Be cautious of brands with misspelled or unfamiliar names.
Report any suspected food adulteration to local food safety authorities.

Regular monitoring and enforcement by health departments ensure that what reaches your plate or glass is safe, clean, and meets quality standards.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.