Dhanbad. In an inspection campaign by the District Food Safety Department in Dhanbad, nearly 50 percent of the paneer sold in markets, hotels, and dhabas has been found to be fake or adulterated. At the same time, startling revelations have come to light regarding the use of 'champai color'. This completely banned dye is used for leather tanning, but adulterers are blatantly using it in sweets, momos, manchurian, and chaat.
Paneer, considered a preferred source of protein, is spreading severe diseases instead of health. Following Durga Puja, the department has intensified its anti-adulteration drive ahead of Diwali. Capitalizing on demand, adulterers are manufacturing synthetic and fake paneer. Between March and October (8 months), over 5 quintals of fake and adulterated paneer have been seized and destroyed. A total of 315 different food samples were tested. Strict warnings have been issued to 150 shopkeepers. Fines are being imposed on concerned vendors in cases of 30 severely contaminated samples. Using a mobile laboratory, over 200 street carts, gupchup (panipuri), and momo shops were inspected on-the-spot. The Food Safety Department has issued a grave warning to shopkeepers and customers regarding the use of champai color. This government-banned dye is actually used for leather tanning, but adulterers are openly using it in sweets, momos, manchurian, and chaat. Entering the body, this restricted dye becomes a major cause of fatal diseases like cancer.
