New Delhi: Paneer has always been an integral part of the daily Indian diet, but rising concerns over widespread food adulteration have cast a dark shadow on this beloved dairy product. In recent times, the market has been flooded with a cheaper, highly unhealthy substitute known as analogue paneer, which is being heavily used across roadside eateries, large restaurants, and hotels. While it looks and tastes almost exactly like the real thing, analogue paneer poses severe long term health risks, prompting several state governments to initiate strict regulatory action.
Traditional paneer is naturally prepared by splitting pure cow or buffalo milk using natural acidic agents like lemon juice or lactic acid. It serves as a rich source of protein, healthy carbohydrates, calcium, and Vitamin B12. According to the stringent guidelines of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, genuine paneer must contain a minimum of 50 percent milk fat and should not exceed 70 percent moisture.
On the contrary, analogue paneer is artificially manufactured without pure milk. Instead, producers use cheap substitute ingredients like palm oil, vegetable fat, starch, soy protein, and various chemical food additives to seamlessly replicate the exact texture of real paneer at a fraction of the production cost.
The regular consumption of this synthetic alternative comes with alarming health consequences. Dr. Tejas Patel, a noted cardiologist from Gujarat, and Dr. Ajay Sharma from the Cardiology Department at Gandhi Medical College in Bhopal, warn that the hydrogenated fats and trans fats prominently present in analogue paneer can significantly increase bad cholesterol levels in the body. Prolonged consumption of these chemical laden vegetable fats can cause severe blockages in the blood vessels, directly elevating the risk of heart disease and complex cardiac issues.
Taking serious note of these massive health hazards and deceptive selling practices, several states have forcefully cracked down on the distribution of this synthetic product. Following the proactive footsteps of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh, the Madhya Pradesh government has recently imposed a strict statewide ban on the production, open sale, and use of analogue paneer.
To actively protect consumers, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has mandated clear labeling rules. Any packaged product formulated with vegetable fats or non dairy items must be explicitly labeled with the word ‘Analogue’. Furthermore, restaurants and hotels are legally required to transparently disclose the use of analogue paneer in their food menus to prevent misleading the general public. Food safety experts highly recommend that consumers carefully read the ingredient list on packaged paneer and remain extremely cautious if the dairy product is being sold at an unusually low price.