AnyTime News 
Licenses Suspended, Officials Booked—Food Safety System Under Scanner
(Anytime News Network # | By Pooja Srivastava)
. A major crackdown on milk adulteration in Uttar Pradesh has exposed alarming lapses in food safety enforcement, raising serious concerns about public health. The operation, conducted by the Food Safety and Drug Administration Uttar Pradesh, targeted dairy units in Bulandshahr and Saharanpur following multiple intelligence inputs.
A total of 49 special enforcement teams carried out surprise inspections across key dairy establishments and chilling centers. Out of the inspected units, 47 were found operational, many of which were violating basic hygiene and regulatory norms. Disturbingly, officials discovered instances where expired dairy products were being repackaged with fresh dates, indicating deliberate malpractice.
In Bulandshahr alone, 112 samples were collected from 35 units, while 21 samples were taken from 12 units in Saharanpur. Authorities seized approximately 503.5 metric tons of milk and dairy products worth ₹5.75 crore in Bulandshahr. In Saharanpur, 782 bags of skimmed milk powder valued at around ₹94 lakh were confiscated.
Regulatory action has been initiated against multiple violators. The suspension process of licenses for six state-level units is underway, while recommendations have been sent to suspend three centrally licensed units. Additionally, 20 units have been issued improvement notices.
The crackdown also exposed internal lapses within the department. A food safety officer has been suspended, and two senior officials have been attached to headquarters pending further investigation.
This incident highlights not just the scale of adulteration but also systemic weaknesses in monitoring and enforcement. With public health at stake, the revelations have intensified scrutiny on the food safety framework in the state.
