Guwahati: Around 70 per cent of paneer samples collected from markets across Assam have failed quality tests, raising serious concerns over food safety in the state. Health Minister Ashok Singhal revealed the findings during a press conference held at Janata Bhawan on Tuesday.
According to the minister, the Food Safety Department collected 60 paneer samples for testing, of which 41 were found unfit for consumption. Among these, 36 samples were classified as substandard, while five were categorised as unsafe for human consumption. Only 19 samples met the required food safety standards.
Singhal said the five unsafe samples contained harmful substances that could damage human organs and lead to serious health complications if consumed regularly.
To curb the sale of adulterated paneer, the Food Safety Department has issued a notification under Section 32A of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Under the notification, products that look similar to paneer or are used as paneer substitutes cannot be sold under the name of genuine paneer. The minister warned that strict action would be taken against those mixing animal fat, palm oil, soy fat or other substitute ingredients with paneer and selling them as genuine dairy products.
He said the law provides for penalties in cases involving the sale of substandard food. In cases involving unsafe food, Section 59 of the Food Safety and Standards Act provides for stringent punishment, which may extend from imprisonment of up to seven years to life imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence.
The minister also warned against selling adulterated products using another company’s brand name or packaging. For instance, if a seller uses Amul’s name or packaging to sell paneer sourced from elsewhere, it would be treated as misbranding. Such violations could attract a fine of up to Rs 3 lakh.
However, Singhal clarified that no case of misbranding had been detected among the samples tested so far. Most of the samples collected were unbranded paneer.
The minister said most of the substandard paneer samples were detected in Kamrup Metropolitan, Jorhat and Tinsukia districts. According to him, the problem appears to be more widespread in urbanised areas.
Food Safety Department officials have informed the government that much of the paneer is being brought into Assam from outside the state. However, its exact state of origin has not yet been established.
The department has received information that such products are transported to Assam by buses and trains.
Singhal said traders from whom paneer samples were collected would have to provide details and bills showing where they purchased the products. If they fail to produce proper purchase and sales records, they could be treated as manufacturers of the paneer.
The minister also questioned the quality of paneer being sold in markets at around Rs 250 per kg.
He explained that approximately six litres of milk are required to produce one kg of paneer. Considering the price of milk at around Rs 50 per litre, the raw milk cost alone would be approximately Rs 300. Therefore, selling paneer at Rs 250 per kg raises serious questions about its quality, he said.
Singhal directed all paneer traders and businesses to maintain proper purchase and sales records. He added that the Food Safety Department would continue inspections and enforcement drives across the state and take legal action wherever substandard or unsafe paneer is detected.
The minister emphasised that products failing to meet the prescribed standards for genuine paneer cannot be sold as paneer. Selling products made with vegetable oils or non-dairy fats instead of milk fat as genuine paneer amounts to misleading consumers.
Hotels, restaurants, catering services and other food businesses have also been urged to verify the quality and source of the products they purchase and comply with all food safety regulations.
The government warned that individuals and establishments involved in the production, sale, storage or distribution of prohibited or non-compliant products would face strict action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Depending on the nature of the violation, authorities may withdraw products from the market, suspend or cancel business licences and initiate legal proceedings.
Singhal also urged consumers to remain alert while purchasing food products, particularly paneer and other dairy items. Consumers have been advised to check product labels, manufacturing dates, expiry dates and food safety licence details before making purchases. People have also been asked to report suspected food adulteration to the concerned Food Safety Department officials.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Ashok Singhal said the new building of Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital (MMCH) in Guwahati is ready to provide medical services to patients.
The new building has a total capacity of 997 beds, including 112 emergency care beds, six special observation beds, a 30-bed dialysis centre and 52 paid private-room beds.
It also has dedicated facilities for emergency treatment and modern infrastructure for various specialised medical departments.
Singhal said several departments and services currently operating at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) would be shifted to the new MMCH building in phases.
He said a detailed plan had been prepared to ensure that patient care is not disrupted during the shifting process. Special attention would be given to maintaining uninterrupted treatment for emergency and critical patients.
Emergency medical services will be shifted at the final stage, after the other necessary arrangements are completed, to ensure that critical healthcare services continue without interruption.
The departments scheduled to be shifted include Medicine, Surgery, ENT, Respiratory Medicine, Plastic Surgery, Rheumatology and Psychiatry. Some radiology and laboratory services will also be relocated.
The minister expressed hope that the modern infrastructure and improved medical facilities at the new MMCH building would provide a better treatment environment for patients and improve the overall quality of healthcare services.
He also sought public cooperation to ensure a smooth transition.
It may be mentioned that several important departments of GMCH will be shifted to the new MMCH building from November 16 as part of the infrastructure reconstruction work at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital.
