TG SAFE finds palm oil, glycerol monostearate in paneer units

HYDERABAD: Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) enforcement teams inspected 14 dairy units in the core urban region and adjoining districts during a special drive on paneer and other dairy products, the authority said on Saturday. Twelve teams comprising food safety officers, police personnel and officers of H-FAST, Hyderabad City Police, [...] <p class="isSelectedEnd"><strong>HYDERABAD:</strong> Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) enforcement teams inspected 14 dairy units in the core urban region and adjoining districts during a special drive on paneer and other dairy products, the authority said on Saturday.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Twelve teams comprising food safety officers, police personnel and officers of H-FAST, Hyderabad City Police, carried out the inspections.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Officials found loose palm oil and glycerol monostearate in some units preparing paneer analogues. They also reported pest infestation, poor hygiene and sanitation, and a lack of milk procurement records.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The authority said 21 samples were collected on suspicion of adulteration.</p> <h2>Authority seizes food articles worth ₹7.19 lakh</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">TG SAFE said it seized food articles worth ₹7,19,340 during the inspections.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The seized material included about one tonne of palm oil for alleged violation of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Officials also seized 476 kg of glycerol monostearate for unauthorised use in paneer manufacturing.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The teams seized 1,760 packs of Mavee’s Classic Premium Cooking Cream over misleading claims or advertisements. Another 150 kg of skimmed milk powder was seized on suspicion of quality issues.</p> <h2>Three establishments face licence suspension and business halt</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">TG SAFE said improvement notices would be issued to Sri Mahalaxmi Kendra at Khanapur, Ibrahimpatnam, and Anitha Dairy at Hayathnagar. The units will be reinspected to assess compliance with food safety norms.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Show-cause notices will be issued to Geetha Dairy at Nadergul and Narmul (Mother Dairy), with further action proposed for imposing penalties.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The food safety licences of three establishments are being suspended, with instructions to stop business operations immediately in the interest of public health.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Laxmi Foods at Gaganpahad, Hyderabad, was suspended over unhygienic premises, including cockroach infestation, untidy milk containers and improper storage. Officials also found 600 litres of loose palm oil and unauthorised use of glycerol monostearate in paneer manufacturing.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Dhana Lakshmi Dairy Products at Mailardevpally, Rajendranagar, was suspended over blocked drains, foul smell, house flies and poor personal hygiene among food handlers. Officials also found 195 litres of loose palm oil and unauthorised use of glycerol monostearate in paneer manufacturing.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Natraj Milk & Milk Food Products was also suspended over unhygienic premises, including rusty asbestos sheets, dampness, moss growth and mouldy surfaces, as well as unauthorised use of glycerol monostearate in paneer manufacturing.</p> The authority said further action would follow based on the findings of inspections and reinspections.