A recent crackdown has revealed that over 1,500 kg of ‘fake’ paneer has been seized in Ahmedabad over the past six months, raising serious concerns about food safety in the city.
Reports suggest that many hotels and eateries are serving “analog paneer”, an imitation product made from vegetable oil, starch, milk powder and chemicals, instead of paneer prepared from pure milk. This substitute, which costs nearly half the price of genuine paneer, is allegedly being served to customers without disclosure, posing potential health risks.
While real paneer costs around ₹400 per kg, analog paneer is available for ₹200–₹250 per kg, making it a cheaper alternative for restaurants seeking to cut costs. Packaging of the product clearly states that it is not made from milk, yet it is reportedly being used widely in food establishments.
Ahmedabad has nearly 27,000 restaurants and food stalls, and experts say the large daily demand for paneer — estimated at about 27,000 kg — makes it difficult to meet requirements solely with milk-based production, contributing to the growing use of imitation products.
Under FSSAI regulations, restaurants using analog paneer must clearly mention it on their menu cards. However, officials claim that a large number of eateries are violating this rule. Authorities said the seized quantity may represent only a small fraction of the total illegal supply, and inspections are continuing.