How To Spot Fake Paneer: Expert Tips To Ensure Authenticity

Paneer, the beloved soft Indian cheese cherished for its culinary versatility, finds itself under siege by counterfeit products. These ersatz paneer variants are infiltrating the food market , often compromising on quality and potentially endangering consumer health.

Efforts to address this pressing issue are underway.

Recent reports from Noida in early April revealed that 47 out of 168 paneer and khoya products tested by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) were contaminated.

Further exacerbating the situation, authorities seized a staggering 1300 kilograms of fake paneer in February, disposing of it safely along the Mumbai-Delhi Expressway.

These incidents underscore a disturbing trend. Over the past two years, law enforcement agencies have made significant busts. In May 2022, the Mumbai police raided two factories, confiscating a whopping 2000 kg of adulterated paneer.

In light of these developments, the question arises: How can consumers distinguish between genuine and fake paneer? According to Deepali Sharma, a dietician and clinical nutritionist at the CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, several key indicators can help discern authenticity:

• Texture: Authentic paneer should possess a soft, easily breakable texture, whereas counterfeit variants often exhibit a rubbery or excessively smooth consistency.
• Smell: Authentic paneer emits a mild, milky aroma, whereas fake paneer may lack this scent or even exude a chemical odor.

Taste: The flavor of genuine paneer is clean and milky, while synthetic versions may taste artificial.

Moisture Content: Genuine paneer typically retains higher moisture levels, releasing whey when pressed, whereas counterfeit paneer tends to be drier.

Cooking Process: Authentic paneer browns evenly and maintains its shape during cooking, whereas fake paneer may become rubbery, melt, or disintegrate.

"Furthermore," Sharma emphasizes, "it's crucial to procure paneer from trusted sources or reputable brands. Consumers should look for quality certifications or safety marks on the packaging to avoid synthetic products."

The health risks associated with consuming fake paneer are significant, warns Sharma. Symptoms such as stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea may occur. Long-term consumption could potentially harm the liver and kidneys, as synthetic paneer may contain harmful chemicals and milk powder, posing additional risks to heart health.