OMFED Is Ready to Scale Paneer Output Amid Odisha Dairy Scare

OMFED has said its processing facilities can expand paneer production if shortages of loose paneer develop in urban markets. The cooperative’s statement followed food-safety enforcement operations in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and the Pahala sweet-trading areas, where authorities examined suspected adulterated dairy products.

Under normal operating conditions, OMFED makes approximately one tonne of paneer each day. During periods of higher festive demand, the cooperative routinely increases daily production to close to three tonnes. The minister, Mallik, said the plants had sufficient capacity to raise output further if required.

OMFED’s processing plans are supported by raw-milk procurement of between 5.5 lakh and 8 lakh litres per day. The cooperative is increasing operations to address possible market deficits during the festive season. No additional production target beyond the stated capacity was provided.

The cooperative applies a three-stage testing system across its supply chain. Milk collected from farmers at village procurement points is first checked for fat content and solids-not-fat, or SNF. It is then subjected to wider laboratory testing at industrial processing facilities, followed by a final quality review before the paneer and other products are packaged and sent to retailers.

Responding to questions about milk solids, Mallik said processing follows official food standards and does not compromise nutritional composition or food safety. The government’s statement came after enforcement teams acting under the direction of Food Safety Commissioner Poma Tudu inspected dairy and sweet-product trade in several locations.

The Cuttack Municipal Corporation recently stopped transport vehicles in Niali and confiscated about 70 quintals of suspected adulterated paneer. Officials valued the seized material at ₹17 lakh. Testing found non-dairy thickeners, including starch and refined flour, and the paneer was later destroyed at disposal yards.