Bhubaneswar: Amid an intensified food safety crackdown on adulterated paneer, cottage cheese and other unhygienic food products in the Twin Cities, Odisha Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik said OMFED will increase paneer production to meet the rising demand in the state.

The minister said OMFED does not compromise on the purity and quality of its paneer and follows a stringent quality control system at its production plants.

Under normal circumstances, OMFED produces around one tonne of paneer per day. During the festive season, production is increased to nearly three tonnes a day depending on market demand.

"If there is a requirement for more paneer in the market, OMFED will increase its production," the minister said.

Mallik stressed that OMFED follows strict quality standards and does not resort to adulteration. He said any irregularity found in OMFED's operations would invite strict action.

The minister's statement comes against the backdrop of an ongoing food safety enforcement drive across Bhubaneswar and Kataka, where teams have seized large quantities of adulterated paneer, chhena and other unhygienic food items during raids since last week.

Food safety officials have warned that consumption of adulterated food, particularly contaminated or adulterated paneer, can pose serious health risks.

The enforcement drive has been intensified ahead of the upcoming festive season, when demand for sweets, dairy products and other food items typically rises sharply.

The Food Safety Commissioner has directed enforcement teams to continue regular inspections across the Twin Cities and initiate appropriate legal action against establishments found violating food safety regulations.

With OMFED planning to increase paneer production according to market requirements, the move is expected to help meet the state's demand for dairy products while providing consumers with a reliable source of quality paneer.