It has also directed the Food Safety Officer, Chandigarh, to appear in person on the next date of hearing.
The Punjab Human Rights Commission (PHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports highlighting the poor quality of milk and paneer samples in Chandigarh over the past three years.
According to news items published in leading daily newspapers under the headline “Kadwa Sach! Chandigarh mein Doodh-Paneer ka har teesra sample fail, kidney liver failure and cancer jaisi bimariyon jaisa khatra”, every third sample of milk and paneer tested in Chandigarh has failed to meet the prescribed food safety standards in the last three years. The reports, citing data from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), stated that during 2024–25, 19 out of 36 samples collected were found to be substandard.
The Commission has, in the notice, called on the Commissioner of Food Safety for Chandigarh, Office of Secretary Health, Chandigarh Administration, UT, 2nd floor, Chandigarh Secretariat, Sector 9, Chandigarh, and Director Health, General Hospital, Sector -16, Chandigarh to submit their reports a week before the next date of hearing.
It has also directed the Food Safety Officer, Chandigarh, to appear in person on the next date of hearing.
Citing news reports, the Commission stated that fake paneer rackets are being run in the state with the use of harmful chemicals.
In a video statement, the Commission clearly warned that notices are being issued to the Food Commissioner and the Secretary of the Health Department, directing them to instruct health inspectors to inspect every manufacturing unit and identify where such rackets are operating.
The officials have been given 24 hours to respond, failing which the Commission warned that it would be presumed that such rackets are being run with their permission.
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