FDA seizes 215 kg of khoya from Dharashiv over suspected adulteration

​​Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Acting on the instructions of the newly appointed commissioner of Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Tukaram Mundhe, local authorities seized 215 kg of khoya over suspected adulteration from a firm at Yermala in Kalamb taluka of Dharashiv and sent the samples for lab testing.

Samples have also been collected from a couple of more establishments from Yermala and Saramkundi from Washi taluka. Lab reports of these samples are awaited.

Food safety officer for Dharashiv, Rohit Fandi said the seized stock of 215 kg of khoya valued at Rs 47,300 is suspected to be adulterated with skimmed milk powder and other ingredients.

“The lab samples are likely to be available in a fortnight or so. Based on the findings, action will be taken against the establishments concerned,” he said.

FDA assistant commissioner, Pramodkumar Kakade, said the khoya production hub at Dharashiv is on radar following instructions from Mundhe to step up action against food adulteration.

“Citizens should purchase khoya, peda and other food items from registered establishments and seek a bill for the purchased items. If there are any doubts or complaints regarding the quality of food items, citizens can contact the toll-free number 1800 222 365,” he said.

Around 50 tonnes of khoya production takes place on a daily basis at Dharashiv using nearly 3 lakh litres of milk collected from different parts of Dharashiv and nearby districts. While khoya is distributed in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Kunthalgiri pedha is a popular brand at different shrines in the state.

Farmers’ rights activist Jayaji Surywanshi said the FDA should make lab reports concerned available to the public at the earliest. “Dharashiv is known as the khoya hub in Maharashtra. While top-brass of the FDA has asked for wider actions, such action should not create any doubts over quality in the minds of people. The image of Dharashiv should not be tarnished due to the malpractices of a few establishments,” he said.