Mumbai: A senior citizen has raised serious concerns over food safety and customer grievance handling after allegedly discovering an insect inside paneer purchased from Punjabi Paneer, Veena Nagar, Mulund.
The complainant, Harbinder Singh Gujral, alleged that he found an insect lodged between pieces of paneer purchased from the outlet. According to him, the incident not only raised concerns about food hygiene but also highlighted the manner in which consumer complaints are handled by businesses.
Speaking to this publication, Gujral said that upon discovering the insect, he immediately contacted the outlet to report the issue. However, he alleged that staff members failed to address the matter satisfactorily and repeatedly refused his request to speak directly with the owner.
“I was shocked to find an insect inside the paneer. What was even more disappointing was the response I received when I tried to raise the issue with the outlet,” Gujral said.
According to the complainant, he later visited Punjabi Paneer in Veena Nagar personally to seek clarification and discuss the matter with the management. He alleged that despite repeated requests, the staff did not facilitate communication with the owner.
Following the dispute, Gujral contacted Mumbai Police through the emergency helpline. Police personnel reportedly reached the outlet and reviewed the evidence presented by the complainant.
Gujral further alleged that staff members initially declined to provide details of the outlet’s Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licence. According to him, the licence details were provided only after police intervention.
In another allegation, the complainant claimed that insects and bees were visible inside a refrigerator where paneer products were being stored. These allegations have not yet been independently verified by the concerned authorities.
As the complainant insisted on filing a formal complaint, police personnel reportedly escorted members of the outlet staff to Mulund Police Station for inquiry. The outlet remained closed for some time during the process, according to eyewitnesses present at the location.
According to Gujral, police informed him that food contamination and hygiene-related matters primarily fall under the jurisdiction of the Food Safety Department and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). He has now indicated that he intends to pursue the matter with civic authorities and seek a formal inspection of the establishment.
“This is not just about one customer. Food safety is a matter of public health. If hygiene standards are not maintained, it can put many consumers at risk,” Gujral said.
The senior citizen has also appealed to local elected representatives for support. “I request MLA Mihir Kotecha to support me in this matter. As a senior citizen, I believe consumers deserve protection and prompt action when such issues arise,” Gujral told this publication.
The incident has reignited discussions around consumer rights, food safety compliance, and accountability in the food business sector. Industry experts note that food establishments are required to maintain hygiene standards prescribed by FSSAI and respond responsibly to customer complaints.
At the time of publication, no official response from the management of Punjabi Paneer, Veena Nagar, Mulund, was available. The publication remains open to publishing the outlet’s response and version of events should they choose to comment.
The complainant has stated that he will continue to pursue the matter before the BMC and relevant food safety authorities to ensure that the allegations are thoroughly investigated and appropriate action is taken if any violations are found