Over Rs 3 cr in fines imposed for adulterated milk and dairy in Punjab

The PIL, filed by advocate Sunaina in 2024, seeks strict enforcement of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, to protect consumers, particularly children and the elderly, from health hazards caused by adulteration. The HC had, in an interim order on July 22 this year, directed both Punjab and Haryana to submit data on penalties imposed in the past five years.

According to the affidavit filed by under secretary Ram Ishwar, penalties were imposed in about 95 per cent cases, though prosecution was initiated in only two instances. The total penalties across districts amounted to Rs 3,04,75,720.

The adulterated items listed in the affidavit are curd, desi ghee, paneer, khoya, cow and buffalo milk, butter, milk-based sweets such as burfi and rasgullas, as well as biscuits, namkeen, spices, ice cream and edible oils. Officials said contamination was detected both in raw milk and processed foods, with potential to cause food poisoning, allergic reactions and long-term health complications.

District-wise data showed high numbers of decided cases in Amritsar (206), Gurdaspur (208), and Sangrur (160), while districts such as Sri Muktsar Sahib (30) and Kapurthala (53) reported fewer cases.

Petitioner flags gaps

While welcoming the affidavit as a step towards transparency, Sunaina criticised what she described as systemic lapses. “The fact that 2,191 cases surfaced in just five years shows serious failures in prevention. The absence of deterrent prosecutions raises concerns about accountability,” she said, calling for stronger judicial intervention to ensure strict sampling, transparent enforcement and harsher punishment for repeat violators.

The petition also seeks additional food-testing laboratories, public awareness campaigns and enhanced penalties under the food safety law.

The PIL is scheduled for hearing on October 14.