Holi horror: 1,200 kg paneer, 900 kg khoya, 370 kg papad destroyed in Ghaziabad, Barabanki & Kanpur raids; Here’s what UP authorities said

In a major crackdown ahead of Holi, Uttar Pradesh food safety authorities destroyed over two tonnes of adulterated and unhygienic dairy products. Acting on multiple alerts, officials seized unsafe paneer, khoya, milk, spices, and other edible items across Ghaziabad, Barabanki, and Kanpur. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) shared the updates on X, highlighting the intensified monitoring of high-risk food products during the festive season.

Ghaziabad Raid: 1,200 kg of Paneer Destroyed

On 23 February, the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (UPFSDA) conducted a large-scale inspection in Ghaziabad. Officials seized 1,200 kg of paneer suspected to be adulterated, valued at approximately Rs 3.84 lakh. The entire consignment was destroyed on the spot after being deemed unfit for consumption.



Three samples were collected from the consignment and sent to laboratories to verify compliance with food safety standards. FSSAI shared the updates on X, emphasising that such inspections aim to safeguard consumer health ahead of Holi.

Barabanki Operation: Multiple Contaminated Food Items Confiscated

The following day, on 24 February, authorities in Barabanki carried out a focused raid on food establishments. Contaminated and substandard items including 60 kg of khoya, 250 litres of milk, 60 kg of spices, 370 kg of kachri-papad, and 90 kg of chhena were destroyed.

Ten samples were collected for laboratory testing to determine the presence of adulterants. The department stated on X that these measures are part of heightened vigilance during Holi, a festival period often linked with increased food adulteration incidents.

Kanpur Railway Seizure: 900 kg of Khoya Confiscated

On 25 February, a major seizure took place at Panki Railway Station in Kanpur. Officials intercepted nine quintals (900 kg) of khoya being transported in unhygienic conditions. The contaminated product was immediately sent to the waste disposal plant in Govind Nagar to ensure it did not re-enter the food supply chain.

FSSAI Emphasises Continued Vigilance Across Uttar Pradesh

These consecutive operations across Ghaziabad, Barabanki, and Kanpur highlight Uttar Pradesh’s proactive approach to tackling food adulteration, especially in high-demand dairy products like paneer and khoya. Laboratory analysis of the collected samples is ongoing, with further action to follow based on the results.

The FSSAI, through updates on X, reiterated that public health remains the top priority and warned vendors against distributing substandard or contaminated food during the festival season.

Key Takeaways

• Over two tonnes of adulterated dairy products destroyed across three districts.
• High-risk commodities like paneer and khoya were the primary targets.
• FSSAI continues to monitor food quality during Holi via inspections and laboratory testing.
• Vendors found distributing unsafe products may face strict legal action.