Uttar Pradesh government launched a campaign to clamp down on adulterated and unsafe food items being sold during the festive season. The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) conducted a special drive from October 8 to 17, inspecting thousands of shops and food vendors across the state, under which 400 kg of adulterated paneer destroyed in Mathura, 750 kg of paneer was seized at at Sahibabad Toll and 1,500 kg of fake paneer confiscated in Chijarsi Toll in Hapur. Noida Food Safety Department seized and destroyed 550 kg of adulterated paneer ahead of the festive season.

Delhi NCR police seized a truck carrying 14 quintals of adulterated paneer at Noida Sector 63 in June this year.

FSSAI has flagged paneer as the most adulterated food item in India

The FSSAI has officially flagged paneer as the most adulterated food item in the country on social media, urging consumers to be careful.

FSSAI is cracking down on fake paneer through regulations, inspections, and public warnings about the health risks of adulterated products. They emphasize that if an “analogue” (a product that imitates dairy using non-milk ingredients) is used, it must be clearly labelled to inform consumers. Additionally, FSSAI is taking action against manufacturers of fake paneer through raids, testing samples, and public alerts.

A recent nationwide probe by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) exposed widespread adulteration in paneer. As per FSSAI data, 83% of sampled paneer sold in India fails to meet safety and quality benchmarks, with roughly 40% considered outright hazardous because of adulteration with palm oil, detergents, urea, and synthetic chemicals.

What is fake paneer? What is it made of? How to identify fake paneer? How does fake paneer affect our body? The CSR Journal take a look.

What is fake paneer? What is it made of?

Fake paneer, also known as analogue or synthetic paneer, is a substitute for authentic paneer made from various cheaper and potentially harmful ingredients rather than genuine milk. The counterfeit product is made by substituting real milk with a mix of cheaper, and often harmful, ingredients. These substitutes are used to mimic the texture, appearance, and taste of authentic paneer, but they lack its nutritional value and can pose serious health risks.

While real paneer is made by curdling fresh milk with an acidic agent like lemon juice or vinegar, fake paneer uses a mix of adulterants like Vanaspati, Starch, synthetic milk solids, detergents, washing soda, urea and chalk.

To cut costs, manufacturers use a variety of non-dairy substances instead of curdling fresh milk with a food acid like lemon juice or vinegar.

Which hazardous chemicals are used in making fake paneer?

Fake paneer comprises a mixture of detergents, caustic soda, and urea, this chemical mixture is used to give the paneer a milky look and feel. Detergents and washing soda are used to enhance the whiteness and lustre of the paneer. They are industrial-grade chemicals that can irritate the gastrointestinal lining and damage gut bacteria. In extreme cases, formalin—a carcinogenic substance used to preserve biological specimens—has been detected in adulterated paneer. Industrial bleaching agents and artificial colours may be used to make the paneer appear unnaturally white.

How to differentiate between authentic and fake paneer?

Fake paneer tastes bland, bitter, soapy, or sour, and may have a strange or chemical aftertaste. It can also taste greasy or oily, unlike real paneer which is typically milky and slightly sweet. One can identify adulterated paneer by performing simple sensory checks and kitchen tests to detect common additives like starch, urea, and vegetable oil. Authentic paneer is soft, milky, and crumbles easily, while fake versions are often rubbery, tasteless, and potentially harmful.

Real paneer has a smooth, firm, and slightly grainy texture that crumbles easily when you apply pressure. Adulterated paneer can feel rubbery, hard, or overly chewy. If it feels spongy and bounces back when pressed, it is likely fake. Authentic paneer has a mild, pleasant, and milky aroma. If it has a sour, chemical, or synthetic smell, it is probably adulterated. Pure paneer has a clean, milky, and fresh flavor. Fake paneer may taste bland, bitter, or leave a strange aftertaste. Genuine paneer is off-white to creamy white. If it appears unnaturally bright white or glossy, it may have been bleached or contain additives.

How fake paneer affects our health?

Consuming fake or adulterated paneer poses significant health risks, ranging from immediate digestive issues to severe long-term damage to vital organs. Unlike authentic paneer made from milk, fake paneer is often a synthetic concoction of harmful, low-cost ingredients designed to mimic the real product’s look and texture.

Our body can react to adulterated paneer in the form of immediate health problems like allergy and indigestion. Many fake paneer recipes use cheap fillers like starch, detergents, and chemicals that can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. This can cause immediate symptoms such as indigestion, bloating, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea. The synthetic additives and unhygienic preparation of fake paneer can trigger skin allergies and rashes in some people.

What are the long-term health risks posed by adulterated paneer?

Regular consumption of the chemicals found in synthetic paneer, such as formalin, urea, and industrial stabilizers, can place a significant strain on the liver and kidneys. Over time, this can lead to chronic conditions and even organ failure. Some manufacturers use hydrogenated vegetable fats like vanaspati ghee or palm oil to replicate milk fat. These fats contain trans fats and unhealthy saturated fats, which can increase bad cholesterol levels and raise the risk of heart disease and blockages.

Chemical additives can interfere with the body’s endocrine system. This can be particularly dangerous for children and pregnant women, potentially affecting development and growth. Some of the chemicals used in adulterated paneer, such as formalin, are known carcinogens. The use of harmful industrial bleaches and other toxins in synthetic milk also increases the risk of cancer over time.
Fake paneer offers little to no nutritional value compared to the protein- and calcium-rich real version. The chemical additives can also disrupt the gut microbiome, weakening the immune system and affecting overall metabolism.

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