Bhubaneswar: Odisha Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik has said OMFED will ramp up paneer production in line with market demand, amid an intensified food safety crackdown on adulterated paneer, chhena and other unhygienic food products in the Twin Cities.
Mallik said OMFED maintains stringent quality control at its production plants and does not compromise on the purity or quality of its paneer.
Under normal conditions, OMFED produces around one tonne of paneer daily. However, during the festive season, the production is increased to nearly three tonnes a day depending on demand.
“If there is a requirement for more paneer in the market, OMFED will increase its production,” the minister said.
He maintained that OMFED follows prescribed quality standards and does not resort to adulteration. Any irregularity detected in its operations would invite strict action, he added.
The minister’s remarks come amid a food safety enforcement drive across Bhubaneswar and Kataka, where officials have conducted raids and seized substantial quantities of allegedly adulterated paneer, chhena and other food products since last week.
Food safety authorities have cautioned that consumption of adulterated or contaminated paneer and other food products could pose serious health risks. The enforcement drive has been stepped up ahead of the festive season, when demand for sweets, dairy products and other food items generally witnesses a sharp increase.
The Food Safety Commissioner has directed enforcement teams to maintain regular inspections across the Twin Cities and initiate appropriate legal action against establishments found violating food safety norms.
With OMFED prepared to scale up paneer production as required, the move is expected to strengthen the availability of quality dairy products and provide consumers with a reliable alternative amid heightened concerns over food adulteration.
