Fake Paneer Invasion: A Silent Threat to Health and Farmers

The Maharashtra dairy industry is sounding the alarm over the huge sales of analogue paneer—a fake product made using vegetable oils, milk powder, and starch rather than whole milk. A lower-cost alternative costing almost half of regular paneer, it has entered markets as well as institutional buyers, causing serious health hazards and jeopardizing the livelihood of dairy farmers.

 

Industry captains recently approached Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Narhari Zirwal to request a ban on the manufacturing and sale of analogue paneer. They claimed that the product not only takes a toll on nutritional content but also tricks consumers who are unable to differentiate between original and fake paneer. Specialists caution that analogue paneer has no necessary proteins and consists of unhealthy fats, which poses a risk of heart disease and other health issues.

 

The hospitality industry has adopted the more affordable option, with more than 50% of hotels allegedly using it to save money. This has resulted in falling sales for conventional dairy-paneer, though. Industry stakeholders are calling for tighter rules like those applied to "frozen desserts" for ice cream producers where products that do not contain milk have to be distinctly labeled.

 

Though the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) permits the sale of analogue paneer under proper labeling, its enforcement is weak. The dairy industry demands consumer awareness campaigns and strict penalties for those who violate them to curb this increasing bane.

 

Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister, has promised action in the form of fortifying FDA labs and weighing changes in food safety legislation. Until decisive action is initiated, however, both the consumers and the dairy industry are at the mercy of the ill effects of this spurious product.

 

Source: Hindustan Times