In a nationwide crackdown that highlights India’s ongoing battle against food adulteration, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has seized more than 4,000 kilograms of fake paneer from several states. The large-scale operation has uncovered a troubling rise in counterfeit dairy products—raising concerns over consumer safety, regulatory oversight, and the informal food economy’s dark underbelly.
Conducted over the past few weeks, inspections by FSSAI officials across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, and Delhi revealed extensive adulteration of paneer—India’s widely consumed fresh cheese. The fake products were found to contain starch, synthetic fats, detergents, and other non-edible substances, clearly violating food safety norms.
A National Staple Under Threat
Paneer, a dietary staple across Indian households and restaurants, especially during festivals and religious observances, is now at the center of a growing public health concern. Authorities say these counterfeit products are being manufactured in unlicensed facilities, often with industrial-grade chemicals and unsafe substitutes for milk.
“What we’re seeing is not just fraud—it’s a public health hazard,” said an FSSAI official involved in the raids. “The sheer scale of adulteration in basic foods like paneer shows how deeply rooted this issue is.”
Health Risks: Beyond Just Stomach Troubles
Doctors warn that consuming adulterated paneer can cause acute and long-term health issues, especially for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions.
- Short-term effects: Food poisoning, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rashes
- Long-term risks: Kidney and liver dysfunction, hormonal disruption, and increased toxicity levels due to synthetic chemicals
Experts caution that since paneer is often consumed raw or lightly cooked, any toxic elements present remain active, entering the bloodstream with minimal resistance.
Can You Detect Fake Paneer at Home?
In the wake of the seizures, FSSAI has issued public guidelines to help consumers detect adulteration using simple home methods:
- Iodine Test: Crush a paneer sample and add iodine. A blue or black coloration indicates the presence of starch.
- Hot Water Test: Submerge paneer in hot water. If it breaks easily or creates an oily/soapy residue, adulteration is likely.
- Texture Check: Real paneer feels firm yet soft. A rubbery or overly smooth texture may indicate synthetic material.
Officials have urged citizens to buy only from licensed vendors, and to avoid unpackaged, loosely sold dairy items.
A Broader Crisis of Food Integrity
This is not the first time paneer has come under scrutiny. Over the past decade, Indian food regulators have repeatedly flagged unsafe manufacturing practices in the unorganized dairy sector. However, enforcement remains patchy, especially in rural and semi-urban clusters where demand outpaces supply, giving rise to low-cost, high-risk substitutes.
While FSSAI has promised stronger penalties and legal action against offenders, experts argue that the problem won’t vanish until there is greater investment in food inspection infrastructure, consumer awareness, and traceable supply chains. As India urbanizes and its middle class expands, the safety of its most essential food items—from milk to vegetables—is no longer just a regulatory issue. It is becoming a question of public trust.