Punjab launches statewide crackdown on milk adulteration, 200 samples collected in 2-day drive
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 8, 2026: The Punjab Government has launched a two-day intensive statewide milk sampling drive to curb adulteration and ensure the availability of safe dairy products across the state.
The special drive was conducted by Food and Drugs Administration Punjab under the directions of Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh and the supervision of FDA Commissioner Kanwalpreet Brar.
Addressing the media on Thursday, Dr Balbir Singh said nearly 200 milk samples were collected during the crackdown from dairy farms, milk collection centres, processing units and retail outlets across both urban and rural areas of Punjab.
To strengthen monitoring, early morning nakas (checkpoints) were set up across the state as part of the operation targeting various points in the dairy supply chain.
The Health Minister said the collected samples have been sent to accredited state food laboratories for testing to detect adulteration, contamination and compliance with prescribed food safety standards.
Issuing a stern warning to violators, Dr Balbir Singh said strict legal action would be initiated against any Food Business Operator found violating provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
“Any operator found guilty of adulteration or non-compliance will face strict action under the law,” the minister said.
He also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of food adulteration to authorities.
Reiterating the Punjab government’s commitment towards public health, Dr Balbir Singh said the campaign forms part of a broader effort by the government led by Bhagwant Mann to ensure safe and quality food products for citizens.
Meanwhile, Commissioner FDA Kanwalpreet Brar said Food Safety Officers are not only enforcing regulations but also educating dairy operators and vendors about hygienic handling and proper storage practices.
She stressed that maintaining high standards in the dairy sector is essential for protecting public health and said the enforcement drive would continue in the coming weeks as part of the government’s intensified food safety campaign across Punjab.