92% Paneer Samples in Gujarat Found Fake, Doctors Warn of Cancer and Heart Disease Risks

In a shocking revelation that raises serious public health concerns, nearly 92% of paneer (cottage cheese) samples available in Gujarat have been found to be fake or adulterated, according to recent investigations by health authorities and industry bodies.

On Sunday, officials in Surat seized 315 kg of fake paneer, exposing a racket that had reportedly been operating for the past four months. The discovery has sparked widespread alarm across the state.

Widespread Adulteration Across Hotels

A recent survey by the Food and Drug Control Authority (FDCA) in Gandhinagar tested paneer served in over 300 hotels across Gujarat. Shockingly, more than 35% of the samples failed quality checks, indicating they were either adulterated or entirely fake.

FDCA officials confirmed that approximately 100 hotels were found serving substandard or synthetic paneer to unsuspecting customers. Laboratory tests revealed that this fake paneer was made using harmful additives such as palm oil, soybean oil, and acetic acid — substances that mimic the texture of real paneer but pose serious health threats.

What is Fake Paneer Made Of?

According to the Gujarat Sweets and Farsan Association, most fake paneer sold in the market is not made from milk at all — or contains very low milk fat. Here's how it's being faked:

• Standard Paneer: Contains more than 50% milk fat (safe to consume)
• Medium-Fat Paneer: 20–50% milk fat
• Low-Fat Paneer: Around 20% milk fat

Fake Paneer: Often made with just 10–15% milk fat, mixed with palm oil, soybean oil, and acetic acid to mimic standard paneer

These harmful substances are used to reduce production costs and increase profits, while putting consumers' health at grave risk.

Health Risks of Consuming Fake Paneer

Doctors have issued a strong warning regarding the short-term and long-term health impacts of consuming adulterated paneer:

Short-term effects:

• Indigestion
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Gastritis
• Skin allergies
• Long-term effects:
• Stomach ulcers and cancer
• Increased cholesterol
• Heart blockages
• Liver and kidney damage
• Diabetes

How to Identify Fake Paneer: Home Tests

Consumers can perform simple tests at home to detect fake paneer:

1. Texture Test: Real paneer breaks softly, Fake paneer stretches like rubber
2. Boiling Test with Soybean Powder/Flour: If the paneer changes color, it's likely fake
3. Detergent/Urea Test: Paneer made with detergent or urea turns red when boiled
4. Tincture Iodine Test: Boil paneer for 5 minutes, add a few drops of tincture iodine, If it turns  blue, the paneer is fake (contains starch)

Government Action Needed

Health experts and consumer rights groups are urging stricter enforcement and public awareness campaigns. With such a high percentage of paneer being adulterated, there is an urgent need for:

• Stricter quality checks at production and sale points
• Random sampling from hotels and sweet shops
• Heavy penalties and criminal action against offenders
• Public awareness about identifying and avoiding fake paneer

This alarming trend of fake paneer production poses a serious health threat to millions. Consumers are advised to be cautious, buy paneer only from trusted sources, and report any suspicious food products to authorities.