India’s food safety regulator has raised a red flag over one of the country’s most consumed dairy products—paneer. According to recent reports by food safety officials, paneer has emerged as the most adulterated food product in India.
This declaration comes after multiple food inspections across states revealed widespread contamination and use of banned substances.
What Makes Paneer So Unsafe?
Paneer is widely loved for its taste and protein content. But the way it is manufactured—especially by unlicensed vendors—often compromises its safety.
Tests conducted by state food safety departments and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) found that:
- Many samples failed basic safety standards.
- Paneer sold in local shops and roadside stalls was found to contain detergents, starch, synthetic milk, and urea.
- Adulterated paneer often mimics the taste and texture of pure paneer, making it difficult for consumers to detect foul play.
How Is Paneer Being Adulterated?
Here are common adulterants and why they’re harmful:
- Starch: Added to increase weight and volume; can cause digestion problems.
- Detergent: Used to mimic milk fat; toxic when ingested and may lead to organ damage.
- Synthetic milk or urea: Cheap substitutes that pose serious health risks including kidney issues and gastrointestinal infections.
- Non-edible colors and chemicals: Used to give paneer a rich appearance; not permitted for human consumption.
Where Are These Samples Coming From?
- States like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Delhi, and Haryana reported the highest number of adulteration cases.
- Small dairies, roadside stalls, and unbranded suppliers are the biggest violators.
- Branded and packaged paneer from reputed manufacturers showed significantly lower adulteration rates.
Why You Should Avoid Eating Paneer Outside
- Street vendors and small eateries often buy paneer in bulk from unverified sources.
- Many do not refrigerate paneer properly, allowing bacterial growth.
- Heat and dust exposure during transport add to the contamination risks.
- Hygiene practices are poor in unregulated kitchens.
If you’re eating paneer from roadside stalls or budget restaurants, there’s a high chance it may be adulterated.
Health Risks from Adulterated Paneer
The long-term effects of consuming unsafe paneer include:
- Nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps
- Food poisoning and diarrhea
- Kidney and liver damage from toxic chemicals
- Lowered immunity due to long-term toxin exposure
Children, elderly people, and those with weak immunity are most vulnerable.
What Can Consumers Do?
Simple steps to protect your health:
- Buy paneer only from reputed, licensed dairies.
- Check for FSSAI certification when purchasing packaged products.
- Avoid street food containing paneer, especially during summer months.
- If you’re making paneer at home, use full cream milk from trusted brands and ensure clean utensils.
How to Spot Adulterated Paneer
Here are a few home tests:
- Iodine Test: Add iodine to crushed paneer. A blue color means starch is present.
- Soap Test: Rub a small piece in water. If it lathers like soap, detergent is present.
- Taste and Smell: Adulterated paneer often has a sour smell or slightly bitter taste.
These tests aren’t foolproof but can offer quick initial checks.
