Pune FDA Seizes 10,888 Kg Paneer, Khoya in Bavdhan, Kasba Peth and Bibwewadi
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 19th October 2026: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized and destroyed 10,888 kg of paneer and khoya worth ₹31,06,680 during an enforcement drive in Pune on Monday after officials found improper transportation, storage and unhygienic sale conditions.
The operation began at 6 am and covered Bavdhan, Kasba Peth and Bibwewadi. It targeted consignments brought into Pune from Karnataka, according to D. V. Bhogawade, Joint Commissioner (Food), Pune Division, FDA.
“The food products were being transported and stored at uncontrolled temperatures. Low-fat and medium-fat paneer were also being sold unsealed and in unhygienic conditions, despite the requirement that they be sold in sealed packaging,” Bhogawade said.
Officials suspected that the products were unsafe for human consumption. Given their perishable nature and the suspected safety risks, the stocks were seized and destroyed, the department said.
Stocks Found at Four Locations
The FDA reported the following quantities and values during the operation:
Location – Product – Quantity – Value
Bavdhan Paneer 3,520 kg ₹10,56,000
Kasba Peth Paneer 3,235 kg ₹8,03,220
Bibwewadi Paneer 3,413 kg ₹10,31,460
Kasba Peth Khoya 720 kg ₹2,16,000
Total 10,888 kg ₹31,06,680
The paneer consignments were found in three vehicles, while the khoya stock was found at Shivshankar Dairy in Kasba Peth.
Further proceedings are underway under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the press note stated. The department described the products as suspected to be unsafe.
Enforcement Drive Ahead of Festive Demand
The action was conducted under the directions and guidance of Maharashtra Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe as part of the “Safe Food, Safe Drug, Safe Maharashtra” campaign.
Assistant Commissioner (Food) Narayan Sarkate and a team of FDA officials participated in the operation.
The department said demand for khoya, mawa, sweets and other dairy products had increased during the festive season. It appealed to food businesses not to use vegetable fats or other adulterating ingredients in milk and milk products.
“Consumers with complaints about the quality or hygiene of food products should report them on the department’s toll-free number, 1800222365. Strict enforcement action will continue,” Bhogawade said in a statement.
