Ferozepur Food Safety crackdown intensifies as 22 of 37 Samples fail tests amid threats to officials
Department refuses to compromise on public health despite alleged threats
Ferozepur, September 13, 2026: The Food Safety Department in Ferozepur has intensified its crackdown on adulterated and substandard food items ahead of the festive season, with 22 out of 37 samples collected during the past one-and-a-half months reportedly failing laboratory tests. Only one sample has so far been found compliant, while reports of the remaining 14 samples are awaited.
The department has made it clear that the health of consumers will not be compromised, even as food safety officials have reportedly faced threats and pressure from unidentified persons. According to Food Safety Officer Abhinav Kumar, anonymous callers allegedly issued threats of physical harm and attempted to damage the reputation of officials involved in inspections.
Despite the threats, the department has decided to continue inspections, sampling and legal action against those found violating food safety norms.
The samples collected so far include sweets, paneer, milk, khoya, tea, fast food, spices and other food products. Inspections have reportedly revealed several disturbing practices, including unhygienic kitchens, use of palm oil, suspected adulterated khoya, chemically coloured food items, dirt and flies around food preparation areas, and concerns over the excessive spices in fast food.
Milk and dairy products have emerged as a particular area of concern. According to the department, cases involving the addition of water, skimmed milk powder, urea and other suspected chemicals to milk have come to light. The sale of suspected synthetic paneer has also been described as a serious issue.
Food Safety Officer Abhinav Kumar Khosla said food products entering Ferozepur from outside areas are also being brought under scrutiny. Food items coming from Bathinda, Sangrur, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka, Abohar, Moga, Patti and other areas will be checked as required.
He said the department would not allow anyone to play with the health of Ferozepur residents. Any person found selling adulterated, substandard or unsafe food will face action under food safety laws.
“I am a resident of Ferozepur and a resident of Punjab. I will not allow our people to eat dirty or unsafe food. Threats or pressure of any kind will not affect my duty concerning public health,” Kumar said.
The department has also decided to extend inspections beyond commercial food outlets. Food served to patients in government hospitals and food supplied in colleges will also be checked. Complaints regarding excessive use of chemicals in food, as well as the use of ginger, banana, papaya and excessive spices in vegetables, will also be examined.
Action was recently taken against a suspected adulterated khoya supplier after samples collected from a shop in the Makhu area reportedly failed. The officer said the suspected khoya had allegedly been brought from Rajasthan and supplied to several shops. In Zira, samples were also collected from a shop following action against suspected adulterated khoya.
Mallanwala was another major focus of the inspection drive. A Food Safety team led by Abhinav Kumar conducted surprise inspections of dairy units and food shops. Samples of paneer and desi ghee were collected from Ganesh Dairy. During the inspection, flies and mosquitoes were reportedly found in drums containing ghee. The workshop where the ghee was being prepared was sealed until the laboratory report is received, while the sale of around 14 quintals of desi ghee was stopped.
During the inspection of the dairy, vaccines reportedly kept for use on cattle were also found. The dairy operator told officials that he collected milk from farmers in villages and supplied such items to them on demand. After being informed about the restrictions concerning the vaccines, he reportedly admitted his mistake and assured officials that such an incident would not be repeated.
Another dairy, Guru Nanak Dairy, was also inspected and a paneer sample was collected. The department said samples would be taken wherever deficiencies in quality, hygiene or compliance with food safety norms are detected.
The department is also facing the challenge of recovering old penalties. According to the report, fines amounting to nearly Rs 10 lakh imposed since 2013 are still pending recovery. One long-pending case involving a well-known chaat vendor reportedly carries a penalty of around Rs 1.50 lakh.
Under food safety provisions, a failed sample does not automatically result in an immediate fine. Action is taken on the basis of the laboratory report, with some cases being dealt with by the adjudicating authority and others going before the court. Penalties can extend up to Rs 5 lakh for substandard food and up to Rs 3 lakh for adulterated food, while cases involving unsafe food may also attract imprisonment along with financial penalties.
The festive-season drive is therefore not limited to sweets alone. From milk, paneer and khoya to ghee, spices, fast food and food served in institutions, the Food Safety Department has indicated that the entire food supply chain will remain under its watch.
The department has appealed to residents to remain alert and report any suspected adulterated, substandard or unsafe food product to the authorities so that timely inspection and legal action can be initiated.
Khosla FSO said that providing clean and safe food during the festive season is not only the responsibility of the Food Safety Department but also a shared responsibility of consumers, shopkeepers and food business operators.