Pune FDA Seizes 9.44 Tonnes of Paneer and Khoya Worth ₹28.40 Lakh Ahead of Diwali; Unsafe Storage Raises Food Safety Concerns

Pune, October 19, 2026: In a major crackdown on suspected unsafe dairy products ahead of Diwali, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized approximately 9,440 kg of paneer and khoya worth ₹28.40 lakh during inspections at three locations across Pune.

The operation, which began at 6 am on Monday, targeted dairy consignments in Bavdhan, Kasba Peth and Bibwewadi. Officials found that the perishable products were allegedly being transported and stored without adequate temperature control, raising concerns about their safety for human consumption.

The seized stock included 9,000 kg of paneer and 440 kg of khoya reportedly transported to Pune from Karnataka.

FDA Conducts Early-Morning Raids Across Pune

FDA teams launched the inspection drive early on October 19, checking vehicles and storage facilities handling large quantities of dairy products.

According to preliminary findings, the department identified consignments that were not being maintained under appropriate temperature-controlled conditions.

As paneer and khoya are highly perishable dairy products, improper transportation and storage can increase the risk of spoilage and bacterial contamination.

Officials subsequently seized the consignments and initiated further proceedings under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

3,200 Kg Paneer Seized in Bavdhan

During the inspection in Bavdhan, FDA officials seized approximately 3,200 kg of paneer valued at ₹9.60 lakh.

The consignment was reportedly being handled without adequate temperature control, prompting concerns about its quality and suitability for consumption.

Officials confiscated the stock as part of the ongoing food safety enforcement drive.

Paneer and Khoya Worth ₹10.52 Lakh Seized in Kasba Peth

In Kasba Peth, FDA teams recovered 3,040 kg of paneer worth ₹9.12 lakh, along with 440 kg of khoya valued at ₹1.40 lakh.

The combined estimated value of the seized dairy products at this location was ₹10.52 lakh.

The khoya consignment was reportedly linked to Shivshankar Dairy near Dengle Bridge in Kasba Peth.

Officials traced the consignment to a vehicle bearing registration number KA 23 B 7149.

Authorities are examining the transportation and storage arrangements to determine whether the products complied with applicable food safety standards.

2,760 Kg Paneer Seized in Bibwewadi

The FDA also conducted an inspection in Bibwewadi, where officials seized 2,760 kg of paneer valued at approximately ₹8.28 lakh.

The stock was among the dairy consignments suspected of being transported or stored without appropriate temperature management.

With this seizure, the total quantity of paneer confiscated across the three locations reached 9,000 kg.

Including the 440 kg of khoya, the overall seizure amounted to 9.44 tonnes, valued at approximately ₹28.40 lakh.

Diwali Demand Raises Concerns Over Dairy Product Safety

The FDA's action comes ahead of Diwali, when demand for paneer, khoya, sweets and other milk-based products typically increases across Pune and Maharashtra.

Khoya is widely used in traditional Indian sweets, while paneer is commonly supplied to restaurants, catering businesses and households.

Both products require appropriate handling and temperature management to maintain their quality and safety.

Inadequate refrigeration during transportation or storage can accelerate spoilage and increase the risk of foodborne illness.

The inspection drive highlights the importance of maintaining food safety standards throughout the dairy supply chain, particularly during periods of increased demand.

FDA Initiates Action Under Food Safety and Standards Act

Following the seizures, the FDA has initiated proceedings under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Officials suspect that the products may be unsafe because of improper temperature management. However, the preliminary findings do not establish that the seized products were adulterated or that laboratory testing has confirmed contamination.

Further investigation will determine the appropriate action against those responsible for transporting, storing or distributing the consignments.

The operation serves as a warning to dairy suppliers and traders to comply with food safety regulations during the festive season.