The Delhi government’s Food Safety Department seized and destroyed approximately 7,000 kg of unhygienic and foul-smelling khoya at Mori Gate Khoya Market on Tuesday as part of an intensified crackdown on food adulteration ahead of the festive season.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the market to inspect the operation and reviewed the measures taken to prevent suspected adulterated food products from reaching consumers.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Gupta sought details from officials about the operation and directed them to ensure that the seized products did not enter the food supply chain.
The Chief Minister said the government would not compromise on public health and warned that those involved in food adulteration would face strict legal action, regardless of their influence.
She emphasised that ensuring access to safe and quality food during the festive season remained a priority for the Delhi government.
The operation marked the Food Safety Department’s fourth enforcement drive at Mori Gate Khoya Market, aimed at preventing the sale and distribution of substandard and potentially adulterated food products.
During the inspection, officials collected 44 surveillance samples, which underwent preliminary testing using the department’s ‘Food Safety on Wheels’ mobile testing facility.
Of these, 35 samples failed the initial tests, raising concerns over the quality and safety of the products being sold.
Two additional samples were collected and sent to a laboratory for detailed examination.
Preliminary testing also indicated the possible presence of milk powder, vanaspati and binding substances in the suspected products. Samples have been forwarded for further analysis to determine their composition.
Gupta commended the Food Safety Department’s team for its prompt action and directed officials to maintain strict surveillance and continue enforcement drives against food adulteration.
She said the government would take stringent action against those attempting to compromise food safety during the festive season, adding that the objective was not only to detect adulterated products but also to prevent such practices.
Acting on the Chief Minister’s directions, the Food Safety Department has been conducting regular inspections and enforcement operations across the city.
As part of earlier drives, officials destroyed 2,830 kg of khoya on September 4, followed by 610 kg on September 8 and 520 kg on October 23.
The latest operation on November 3 resulted in the destruction of approximately 7,000 kg of khoya at Mori Gate market.
According to the figures provided, the department has destroyed a total of 10,660 kg of khoya during its recent enforcement drives.
The Delhi government said inspections and enforcement measures would continue to prevent the sale of unsafe food products and safeguard public health.
Published: Wednesday, 4 November 2026 | 7:35 PM IST