A major food safety concern has surfaced in Surat after 1,401 kg of paneer seized from a unit in Pandesara was found to be substandard in lab tests. Officials revealed that the paneer contained vegetable oil and traces of industrial acid instead of natural milk fat.
Joint raid uncovers fake paneer unit
The stock was seized during a joint raid by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) and the Special Operations Group (SOG) on March 3 at Amrut Milk Product in Bhidbhanjan Society, Pandesara. Acting on a tip-off about fake paneer production by a man identified as Mahesh Sharma, officials also confiscated machinery worth ₹28.44 lakh from the unit.
Lab tests later confirmed that the paneer failed to meet food safety standards.
Cheap supply raises red flags
Authorities said the paneer had been sold at unusually low prices for nearly two years. Around 400 kg was being produced daily and distributed across local markets, including dairies, street vendors, restaurants, and caterers.
Repeat violations add to concern
In another case, paneer seized earlier from Surbhi Dairy was also found to be substandard. Lab reports showed it was analogue paneer made using vegetable oil, starch, acetic acid, and low-quality milk.
Although the dairy was sealed after the raid, it was later reopened after the operators gave a written assurance to avoid such violations in the future.
Rising cases in the city
Civic officials have flagged a growing trend of adulterated dairy products in Surat. In the last six months alone, over 4,000 kg of substandard paneer has been seized.
Authorities warned that a large quantity of such products may have already reached consumers before action was taken, raising serious concerns about public health and food safety monitoring.