Ludhiana: With the festive season approaching and demand for dairy products rising, food safety checks by the health department have thrown up worrying findings. Nearly 40% of ghee samples collected across Ludhiana since April have failed quality tests, with some found unsafe for human consumption.Official data shows that of the 39 ghee samples collected between April 1 and Sept 15, reports for 38 have been received. Fifteen samples failed the tests, translating into a failure rate of 39.5%. Of these, 13 were classified as substandard and two as unsafe for human consumption.The crackdown comes amid heightened scrutiny of milk products following the Punjab govt’s ban on analogue paneer. Food safety teams have intensified inspections across the district, collecting around 20 paneer samples this month alone. During a recent drive, officials also destroyed 35kg of paneer suspected to be substandard and unfit for consumption.District health officer (food safety) Dr Ashish Chawla said food safety teams were conducting regular inspections across six zones of the district and maintaining zero tolerance towards adulteration. He said drives would continue throughout the festive season.Officials said paneer and khoa samples collected during recent raids from areas including Dehlon and Ladowal have been sent for laboratory testing, with reports awaited.The department’s records also show that two of the four paneer samples collected in Aug were found substandard.Residents have urged authorities to step up surveillance. Consumers, they say, have little way of determining whether the ghee, paneer or other dairy products they buy are genuine or adulterated.
