Stepping up vigilance against adulterated food products ahead of Diwali, the food safety department in Uttar Pradesh's Hapur district raided an illegal manufacturing unit operating in the rural belt. Acting under the direction of Assistant Commissioner of Food Chandrashekhar Mishra, enforcement teams targeted a clandestine setup in Lalpur village during the night hours. The facility was actively engaged in manufacturing large consignments of counterfeit khoya meant to meet the festive surge in sweet demand across nearby retail markets, prompting immediate confiscation and on-site destruction of the entire cache.
Night Raid Triggered By Intelligence Tip-Off In Lalpur Village
The enforcement operation was set in motion after food safety authorities received actionable intelligence regarding an illicit khoya production unit operating secretly inside Lalpur village. A specialized inspection team was quickly assembled to execute a surprise night raid before the products could be dispatched into distribution channels. Upon securing the premises, officers discovered extensive manufacturing equipment alongside approximately 16 quintals of ready-to-sell counterfeit khoya stored under unsanitary conditions.
Harmful Ingredients Used In Processing As 4 Samples Sent For Laboratory Testing
Initial inspections at the facility revealed that operators were blending harmful substances, including palm oil and vanaspati ghee, to artificially replicate the texture and consistency of genuine milk solids. Recognizing the severe health hazards posed by such tainted products, officials acted swiftly to collect evidence for regulatory proceedings. Four separate samples of the suspect khoya were formally gathered, sealed, and dispatched to an accredited laboratory for detailed chemical and quality analysis.
Seized Consignment Worth Rs 3.20 Lakh Buried Using Excavator
The total market value of the 16 quintals of adulterated khoya recovered from the illegal unit was estimated at approximately Rs 3,20,000. To eliminate any possibility of the hazardous material finding its way back into commercial circulation, the inspection team coordinated an immediate on-site destruction protocol. A large trench was excavated at the location with the assistance of a JCB excavator, where the entire consignment was dumped and buried deep underground under direct administrative supervision.
Crackdown On Food Adulteration To Intensify Across Festive Period
Following the successful raid, the food safety department emphasized that strict enforcement drives will continue unabated throughout the ongoing festive period. Officials reaffirmed that zero tolerance will be shown toward individuals and businesses that compromise public health for illicit financial gain. Night inspections, random market samplings, and sustained monitoring across rural and urban manufacturing hubs will remain operational to curb the circulation of spurious dairy products.
