Rajasthan Government Bans 18 Products and Suspends Licenses of 26 Trading Points Due to Counterfeits

The government of the state of Uttar Pradesh has taken a significant measure aimed at protecting public health by completely banning the production, storage, and sale of all types of analog dairy products in the region. This new decree ensures that counterfeit and adulterated dairy items will no longer be sold in Uttar Pradesh.

The restrictions apply to several key dairy products, including analog cheese (paneer), analog cream, analog ghee, analog chhena, and analog khoya. The trade of these fake and spoiled products is now completely prohibited in the market.

Previously, quality checks on milk and dairy products were conducted in various districts of Uttar Pradesh. Food department teams carried out raids and collected samples in several locations.

The inspection results were quite alarming. Analysis of the samples revealed severe contamination in products such as milk and cheese. Instead of milk, refined oil, various types of fats, and soy products or their derivatives were used in these items.

It was found that substances detected in the milk and khoya are extremely dangerous to human health. According to the report, talc, cleaning agents, titanium dioxide, liquid glucose, cephalite, ranipol, tinopol, hydrogen peroxide, and various harmful neutralizers were used for falsification. These fake products, prepared from toxic chemicals and low-quality components, posed a direct threat to people's health.

Strict rules are established under the Food Safety Act of 2006. These standards require that milk and related products be produced and sold in their true and original form. Given the danger of these products with chemical additives and adulterants, preventing their distribution is a primary responsibility of the food safety commissioner. By fulfilling this responsibility, the government has made this important decision to ensure clean and safe food for the residents of the state.

Authorities in Maharashtra conducted a large-scale inspection of food safety compliance, resulting in the suspension of licenses for four Domino's outlets. Serious violations were identified during the special inspection, including heavy contamination in kitchens and lack of pest control.

Previously, similar strict measures were taken against the Blinkit store in Mumbai.

On August 11, the FDA conducted a special campaign across Maharashtra. During this inspection, 104 establishments of major brands such as Domino's, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Subway, and Burger King were examined. Upon discovering significant violations, the operations of two establishments were immediately suspended, and 95 centers were issued notices to rectify deficiencies. Furthermore, food licenses were immediately suspended at five branches, among which were four Domino's locations.

At the Domino's branch located in Vile Parle, Mumbai, an issue with the FSSAI license placement was found. Numerous shortcomings were also identified in drinking water control, food storage methods, pest control, and general cleanliness. The team of inspectors demanded improvements to the condition of the kitchen back door, floor, and refrigerator. They were also instructed on the necessity of maintaining food at the correct temperature, cleaning dishes, and ensuring complete staff hygiene through handwashing.

The situation at the Borivali branch was also unsatisfactory; it scored only 54 percent in the inspection. A thick layer of oil was found on the pizza preparation area, and pieces of food were scattered, requiring immediate cleaning. Additionally, it was mandated to store raw and cooked foods, as well as vegetarian and non-vegetarian products, separately.

Prior to the Domino's incident, the FDA had already taken action against the Blinkit store located in Malad West. An inspection conducted on August 7 revealed a large number of cockroaches on fruits and vegetables. It was noted that some products were stored directly on the floor, and many packages were expired. Following this, the department suspended the store's license and ordered its immediate closure.

Constant food quality checks continue in Maharashtra. Between May and July alone, over 3,000 hotels and restaurants were inspected in Mumbai. As a result of these inspections, licenses for 165 places were suspended, and over 28,000 kilograms of food products worth more than 55 crore rupees were seized and destroyed.