Fake Paneer Alert: Is What You’re Eating Really Paneer? Rising Festival-Time Adulteration Poses Health Risks
Fake Paneer Alert: Is What You’re Eating Really Paneer? Rising Festival-Time Adulteration Poses Health Risks
As festive demand surges, a major food adulteration racket has come to light in Mumbai, where cheese analog – a synthetic dairy substitute – was allegedly being sold as paneer. The crackdown by Mumbai Police Crime Branch and FDA officials has raised serious health concerns for consumers during Ganeshotsav and the festive season.
Police Raid at Antop Hill
Under the directives of Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, a joint team of Crime Branch officers and FDA officials raided two dairies – Om Cold Drink House and Shree Ganesh Dairy – in the GTB Nagar area of Antop Hill. The investigation revealed that adulterated cheese analog was being passed off as paneer to unsuspecting customers.
The raid, led by Inspector Pravin Mohite, API Rohan Bagade, Mahesh Sangle, and PSI Nandkishor Borole, resulted in the seizure of 550 kg of fake paneer, potentially preventing a significant health hazard to thousands of consumers.
How to Identify Real Paneer?
Experts advise consumers to be cautious when purchasing paneer, especially during festivals:
- Buy only branded and properly labelled products.
- Avoid loose or unlabelled paneer.
- Real paneer has a granular texture and a natural dairy aroma.
- Fake paneer or cheese analog often feels waxy or soapy to the touch.
Warning to Traders
Authorities have warned dairy owners, caterers, and hoteliers that stocking or selling adulterated paneer is a serious offence. Strict legal action will be taken against those involved in such fraudulent practices, as they pose a severe threat to public health.
