In many Indian households, especially among vegetarians, paneer is a cherished staple, valued for its rich protein content and versatility in a wide range of delicious dishes. However, the growing demand for this dairy product has led to a disturbing trend i.e. rampant adulteration. Unscrupulous manufacturers and suppliers have been lacing paneer with harmful substances to increase profits, putting consumer health at risk. This alarming issue has prompted food safety agencies to take action. A recent crackdown in Chandigarh, for instance, resulted in the seizure of over 450 kg of adulterated paneer and dairy products.

This adulteration can have serious health implications, making it crucial for consumers to be vigilant. Before we dive into the simple methods for detecting fake paneer at home, let's first explore the common adulterants often found in paneer.

Common Adulterants In Paneer

Starch

Starch is often added to paneer as arrowroot or maida increases bulk and firmness but compromises nutritional value. This adulterant can trigger digestive issues, particularly in sensitive individuals.

Synthetic Milk

Deceptive manufacturers often lace paneer with detergents or synthetic milk, posing serious health risks. Consumption can lead to severe symptoms like stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, as well as irreversible organ damage.

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Preservatives Or Formalin

Some paneer products may contain high levels of preservatives or formalin, added to prolong their shelf life. This alarming practice can have devastating health consequences including cancer, liver damage and severe allergic reactions.

Milk Powder Or Milk Solids

Some manufacturers substitute fresh milk with milk powder or reconstituted milk solids in paneer production. This cost-cutting measure compromises the product's freshness and natural nutritional value, yielding a lower-quality paneer.

Urea Or Caustic Soda

Some adulterated paneer products may contain urea or caustic soda commonly found in synthetic milk. These toxic substances can inflict severe damage on the kidneys and liver, posing grave health risks.

Ways to identify adulterated paneer (Image Credits: Canva)

Tests To Identify Fake Paneer

Hand Test

A simple test can help detect adulteration in paneer. Gently mash a small piece of paneer with your fingers. If it's pure, it will retain its texture but if it's adulterated, it will likely crumble or disintegrate under pressure.

Use Tur Dal

Another effective test for detecting adulteration in paneer involves boiling it in water, then mixing it with tur dal powder after it cools. If the paneer turns light red after 10 minutes, it may indicate the presence of detergent or urea.

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Use Soybean Powder

Try this simple test to uncover adulteration in paneer. Boil the paneer, let it cool, then mix in some soybean powder. A colour change to light red signals a potential red flag: the presence of detergent or urea.

Taste Test

When purchasing paneer, especially from open counters, take a cautious approach. Sample a small bite before buying. A chewy texture can be a red flag, indicating that the paneer may be artificially manufactured. Similarly, an overpoweringly sour taste can be a warning sign of adulteration with detergent or other subpar ingredients.