Bhubaneswar, Aug 25: With Odisha stepping up inspections against adulterated dairy products ahead of the festive season, state-owned dairy cooperative OMFED is preparing to raise paneer production to ensure adequate supply in the market.

Odisha Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik said OMFED has the capacity to increase production whenever demand rises and assured consumers that the organisation maintains strict quality standards in the manufacture of paneer.

According to the minister, OMFED currently produces about one tonne of paneer daily under regular market conditions. The output is increased substantially during periods of high demand, particularly around festivals, when production can reach nearly three tonnes a day.

Mallik said production would be scaled up further if required to bridge any gap between demand and supply.

The minister also maintained that OMFED follows rigorous quality-control procedures at its production facilities and does not compromise on the purity of its products.

He said any violation or irregularity detected within the organisation would be dealt with strictly.

The assurance comes as food safety authorities intensify enforcement operations in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Recent raids have reportedly led to the seizure of significant quantities of suspected adulterated paneer, chhena and other food products deemed unfit for consumption.

Officials have cautioned consumers about the potential health hazards associated with contaminated or adulterated food, particularly dairy-based products that are widely consumed during the festive period.

The enforcement campaign has gained momentum ahead of the upcoming festivals, when demand for sweets, paneer, chhena and other dairy products traditionally increases. Food safety teams have been instructed to maintain regular surveillance of food establishments and take legal action against those found violating prescribed safety norms.