Chandigarh (Rajeev Sharma): A recent investigation has uncovered that more than 80% of paneer sold in Indian markets is adulterated, manufactured using hazardous chemicals rather than genuine milk. With the increasing demand for affordable dairy products, low-cost synthetic paneer, often referred to as analog paneer, has discreetly dominated the market, posing a serious threat to public health.
Experts explain that genuine paneer produced from fresh milk costs at least ₹350 per kilogram to manufacture. However, many retailers sell paneer for as low as ₹200–₹250 per kilogram, which is economically impossible without adulteration.
This synthetic paneer is typically manufactured using milk powder, starch, palm oil, vanaspati, and chemical stabilizers substances that mimic the texture of paneer but lack nutritional value and may cause severe health issues such as kidney failure, liver damage, and even cancer.
Furthermore, in cheaper variants, urea, detergent, and industrial starch are added to increase yield, compromising consumer health even further. Similar fraud has been reported in sweets and mawa (khoya). Products like kaju katli are being manufactured with flour, synthetic khoya, and artificial flavoring, sold at deceptive prices and marketed as premium quality.
Despite periodic raids by food authorities, lenient penalties and weak enforcement have allowed these scams to persist. Food safety activists are urging the public to exercise caution, verify sources, and demand stricter regulations.
