The Indian dairy sector is confronting a significant challenge with the proliferation of synthetic paneer—products crafted from vegetable oils, starches, and additives that mimic traditional paneer in appearance and texture. This counterfeit variant is infiltrating markets, particularly in regions with high paneer consumption, posing health risks to consumers and undermining the efforts of genuine dairy producers.
Dr. R.S. Sodhi, President of the Indian Dairy Association, has vocally criticized this malpractice, stating, “It is an open theft. If you are paying for paneer, you should get it. Paneer should have nothing but milk.” He further emphasized the economic implications, noting that substituting dairy fat with cheaper alternatives like palmolein reduces production costs by up to five times, adversely affecting the ₹40,000 crore paneer industry.
Recent inspections have unveiled alarming statistics: routine sample checks from April 2024 to March 2025 in Noida and Greater Noida revealed that over 83% of paneer samples failed to meet safety standards, with 40% deemed unfit for human consumption. Similarly, in Karnataka, only 4 out of 163 samples collected in March met the required standards. Authorities have seized significant quantities of adulterated paneer—1,500 kg in Ahmedabad and 1,400 kg in Pune—highlighting the widespread nature of this issue.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has been alerted to these malpractices and is expected to enforce stricter regulations to curb the distribution of counterfeit dairy products. The dairy industry is urging for enhanced vigilance and stringent enforcement to protect both consumers and authentic dairy businesses.
Industry Insight:
The surge of synthetic paneer in the market not only jeopardizes consumer health but also threatens the economic stability of the legitimate dairy sector. Dr. Sodhi’s insights underscore the urgency for collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies to uphold product integrity and safeguard the interests of genuine producers.
Dairynews7x7 May 12th 2025 The Tribune