Paneer is Widely Consumed across India, and a Large Portion of the Vegetarian Population is Dependent on it as a Major Protein Source

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In a recent development, FSSAI and local food-safety teams captured over 500 kg of fake paneer in Noida. Health officials warn citizens to stay alert and buy only from trusted sources.

Fake Paneer Crackdown

The paneer samples, retrieved by FSSAI, were sent for laboratory testing, and the stock was declared unfit for consumption. Over the past few years, multiple state food authorities have reported large seizures during anti-adulteration drives across the country.

According to reports, 83% of paneer samples have failed in quality tests in a recent inspection in Noida and Greater Noida. 

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Paneer is widely consumed across India, and a large portion of the vegetarian population is dependent on it as a major protein source. 

As demand increases during the Diwali festival, it is important to understand the consequences of adulterated paneer consumption and steps to protect yourself.

How Fake Paneer Puts Your Health at Risk

Cheaper ingredients are often used to prepare fake paneer. Preservatives are also added to increase their shelf life. Detergents, industrial stabilizers, and formalin are also used in illegal preparation methods. Some serious health issues include kidney and liver damage, while immediate effects are detected in the form of food poisoning, vomiting, diarrhea, and allergic reactions.

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Moreover, fake paneer is nutritionally inferior. It reduces protein intake, which is crucial for children, pregnant women, and elderly people. An adulterated version is also harmful for those managing diabetes or heart disease. It also raises the risk of mass foodborne illness during festivals when consumption increases.

Quick DIY Methods to Test Paneer Purity at Home

Experts suggest a few quick steps to check suspicious elements at home.

Fresh paneer always has a mild milky smell. Any strong sour, chemical, or detergent-like odour is a red flag. Also, unnatural whiteness, excessive shine, or sliminess are signs of adulteration.

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Authentic paneer should be firm yet slightly crumbly when pressed; fake paneer may crumble completely or feel rubbery.

Put a drop of iodine tincture on a tiny piece of paneer. If any blue-black colour appears, it indicates the presence of starch (added flour or maida), which the original paneer should not contain. However, this test is not reliable. 

Boil a tiny piece of paneer. If oil separates or the piece dissolves abnormally, it may contain vegetable fat or non-dairy elements. Genuine paneer may soften, but it will not release oil.

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Essential Tips to Stay Safe This Festive Season

Buy from authorized sellers: Buyers should check for an FSSAI license number and buy from reputable dairies or authentic retailers. If you are purchasing unbranded paneer, smell and texture checks are essential.

Store properly: Refrigeration is the best way to keep store-bought paneer. It should also be consumed within the recommended time.

Cook well: Heat kills a majority of microorganisms, but may not neutralize chemical adulterants, so cooking is necessary but not always sufficient.

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Beyond a culinary disappointment, fake paneer is a public-health hazard. Apart from strict actions by the government, consumers should be alert before buying and cooking paneer. Preparing paneer at home from good-quality milk is the safest option to follow.