Bilaspur, Oct 15 Paneer samples collected from three sweet shops in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur city have failed laboratory tests, prompting the food safety department to issue notices to the shopkeepers ahead of the festive season.
The samples were collected as part of routine inspections amid Navratri, when demand for sweets and dairy products rises.
Laboratory reports showed that the paneer did not meet the prescribed quality standards, Assistant Commissioner of the Food Safety Department, Bilaspur, Mahesh Kashyap, said.
“Paneer samples were collected for testing from three sweet shops in Bilaspur city, and all three samples failed laboratory tests. Notices have been issued to the concerned shopkeepers, and strict action will be taken,” Kashyap said.
The department has sought explanations from the shopkeepers and is preparing to initiate further action in accordance with the regulations. Heavy fines may also be imposed, officials said.
The department periodically inspects food products sold in local markets to ensure compliance with prescribed standards. As part of these checks, paneer samples collected from the three sweet shops were sent to a laboratory, and the department has now received the reports confirming that all three failed the tests.
Following the findings, the department has issued notices to the shopkeepers concerned and will proceed with further action as per the rules.
With demand for sweets and dairy products increasing during festivals, food safety officials have urged shopkeepers to exercise caution while handling and using paneer and selling sweets.
Paneer is a key ingredient in several festive dishes and sweets, making quality checks particularly important during this period. Testing samples collected from the market helps determine whether food products meet established safety and quality standards.
(PTI News)
