Nearly 50% of Paneer in Punjab Markets Fails Quality Tests

Punjab’s dairy consumers have been hit by a serious paneer adulteration crisis, with nearly half of samples tested failing food safety standards, government data shows. According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, about 47% of paneer and other milk product samples collected in the state during 2024–25 were found to be adulterated or substandard, raising alarms about potential health risks from toxic substances and contaminants.

In a parliamentary update, the ministry noted that of 531 milk and dairy product samples analysed, 255 failed quality tests, with paneer emerging as the most common offender. Common adulterants detected included starch and sucrose, and health officials flagged that around 40% of the failed samples contained hazardous substances, making them unsafe for consumption.

Food safety experts warn that adulterated paneer — often made using non-milk ingredients such as starch, vegetable oils or other fillers — can lack essential nutrients and may pose health hazards including digestive distress, allergic reactions and long-term risks if consumed regularly. Independent reports and food safety alerts have emphasised that fake or analogue paneer may contain industrial-grade additives and should be avoided.

The crisis is not limited to packaged retail products; local market checks and safety raids have uncovered adulterated paneer being transported and sold without proper refrigeration and certification. Recent enforcement actions in regions such as Ludhiana and Patiala have led to the seizure of adulterated dairy items, underscoring gaps in supply chain hygiene and regulatory compliance.

Public health officials and food safety agencies including FSSAI have advised consumers to prefer certified branded products and avoid paneer from informal or unverified sources. Simple home tests — such as iodine or heat tests — have been circulated to help consumers detect suspicious products, but authorities caution that the only reliable safeguard is purchasing from FSSAI-certified manufacturers and cooperatives.

The paneer adulteration issue reflects broader challenges in dairy product quality control, particularly in regions with high consumption such as Punjab. It has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of food safety standards, more frequent market surveillance, and heavier penalties for repeat offenders to protect consumers and rebuild trust in dairy value chains.

Source : dairynews7x7 Dec 15th 2025 Hindustan Times