Samba, September 26, 2025 – In a startling raid near the Jammu border, authorities intercepted two sleeper buses on the highway, uncovering a massive haul of 16 quintals (1,600 kg) of counterfeit paneer suspected to be destined for local markets. The discovery has sparked outrage and alarm among Samba district residents, raising urgent questions about food safety: Are locals unwittingly consuming this toxic imitation cheese, and who will probe this illicit supply chain?The operation unfolded late Thursday evening when a joint team from the Jammu & Kashmir Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) and local police received a tip-off about suspicious cargo hidden in the buses’ underbellies. The vehicles, registered in Punjab and en route from Amritsar, were flagged at a routine checkpoint near Bari Brahmana, just 10 km from Samba town.Upon inspection, officers pried open concealed compartments beneath the sleeper berths, revealing tightly packed blocks of what appeared to be fresh paneer but reeked of chemicals. Preliminary tests on-site indicated the “paneer” was a synthetic concoction made from skimmed milk powder, vegetable oil, starch, and harmful emulsifiers like urea and detergent residues – a cheap mimic that could cause severe digestive issues, kidney damage, or even food poisoning if consumed.”This is not just fake; it’s a health hazard wrapped in plastic,” said Inspector Rajesh Sharma, who led the raid. “The quantity suggests a well-organized racket supplying adulterated dairy to eateries, grocery stores, and households across Samba and neighboring Jammu districts. We’ve seized the entire load, detained the two drivers for questioning, and impounded the buses.”The drivers both from Punjab, claimed ignorance but couldn’t produce valid transport permits or sourcing documents. Sources within the investigation hint at a larger network linking Punjab dairies to J&K markets, exploiting the high demand for paneer in restaurants and during festive seasons.
A Growing Threat in Samba: Are Residents at Risk?
Samba, a serene agrarian district with a population of over 3 lakh, relies heavily on dairy imports from Punjab due to limited local production.Health experts warn that adulterated paneer, often pale yellow and unnaturally firm is highly dangerous to health. Families buying in bulk for weddings or Diwali could be poisoning themselves.”Residents are in panic mode. “We trusted the corner shop’s ‘fresh’ paneer for our kids’ lunches. Now, who do we believe?” fumed local shopkeeper Sunita Devi from Samba’s main market. Social media is abuzz with calls for boycotts and demands for stricter checks.
Who Will Investigate? FSSAI Vows Swift Action
The onus now falls on the FSSAI’s Jammu wing, which has taken samples & results, expected in 7-10 days, will confirm the adulterants and trigger FIRs under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 – penalties could include fines up to Rs 10 lakh or jail time for suppliers..”In the meantime, experts urge caution: Opt for FSSAI-licensed brands, check for milky white color and crumbly texture, and report suspicious sellers via the FSSAI toll-free helpline (1800-11-2100). As Samba reels from this betrayal of trust, one thing’s clear – the fight against fake food is far from over.
