In a major crackdown on dairy adulteration, the Mumbai Police, in coordination with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials, seized 550 kilograms of “cheese analogue” falsely sold as malai paneer from two local dairy outlets in Antop Hill on August 25.
The operation targeted Om Cold Drink House and Shri Ganesh Dairy, along with a Suzuki Super Carry vehicle used for transporting the product. The confiscated items were being distributed to local households, restaurants, and catering businesses.
What Is a Cheese Analogue?
Cheese analogue is a synthetic, cost-cutting substitute made from milk powder, palm oil, starches, and chemical additives. While it mimics the texture and appearance of paneer or cheese, it contains little to no real dairy and is not legally allowed to be sold as paneer under FSSAI regulations.
According to food safety guidelines, any non-dairy cheese-like product must be clearly labelled as a “cheese analogue.” Failure to do so is considered both fraudulent and hazardous, especially when it involves misrepresenting authentic paneer to consumers seeking genuine products.
Public Health Risks and Legal Violations
The illegally sold fake paneer poses serious health threats, including:
- Food poisoning due to unhygienic processing
- Nutritional deficiencies from low protein content
- Digestive issues from poor-quality palm oil and additives
The seized products will undergo laboratory testing, and authorities have confirmed that legal action will be taken against all individuals involved in this racket under relevant sections of the Food Safety and Standards Act and the IPC.
Consumer Alert: Stay Vigilant During the Festive Season
With the festive season driving up demand for dairy products, the FDA has urged consumers to:
- Buy paneer only from licensed, reputed dairy outlets
- Avoid loose or unlabelled dairy items
- Check for authentic texture and smell (real paneer has a grainy texture and a mild milky aroma)
- Report any suspicious products to local authorities or helplines
This incident highlights the growing concerns about dairy adulteration in urban India, particularly during periods of high consumption. Regulatory bodies are stepping up enforcement, but consumer awareness remains key in combating unsafe food practices.