Authorities in Hyderabad have uncovered a widespread network of paneer adulteration and misbranding, with Cheese Analogue products being fraudulently sold as genuine paneer across the city. During raids conducted yesterday, approximately 45 outlets and 8 manufacturing units were inspected by the Commissioner’s Task Force, leading to the seizure of about 825 kg of suspected adulterated and misbranded products. The operation revealed serious food safety violations that pose significant health risks to consumers.
Cheese Analogue, a product made from vegetable fats and non-milk ingredients, is being procured by Food Business Operators from states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh and sold deceptively as paneer, malai paneer, or milk paneer without proper declaration. These products are often marketed under misleading labels such as “Low Fat Paneer”, “Medium Fat Paneer”, or “Fresh Paneer” without manufacturing details, batch numbers, or expiry dates. In some instances, FBOs unknowingly order paneer but receive Cheese Analogue as a substitute from unscrupulous suppliers.
Inspections revealed that while manufacturers supply these products with labels declaring “Cheese Analogue” and disclaimers stating “not responsible for loose sale” and “contains no dairy fat”, retail-level FBOs deliberately misrepresent or knowingly sell them as genuine paneer to maximize profits. The investigation also uncovered that some manufacturers and retail shop owners are operating without valid FSSAI licenses. Certain FBOs have been found procuring Cheese Analogue in bulk and repacking it under misleading labels such as “Premium Paneer” without proper licensing, declaration, or traceability.
The raids exposed various adulteration practices including the addition of starch, excess water, non-milk fats, use of poor-quality or synthetic milk, and non-food-grade substances. Additional violations discovered include the absence of mandatory labelling, invalid licenses, and unhygienic storage conditions. These practices pose serious health risks to consumers including food poisoning, allergic reactions, and consumption of inferior and unsafe products that could have long-term health implications.
The authorities have issued a public advisory urging consumers to purchase paneer only from licensed vendors, check labels and expiry details carefully, avoid loose or unlabelled products, and report any violations to the authorities. Strict enforcement drives are currently ongoing across the city, with samples being collected for laboratory analysis. Officials have warned that violations will attract stringent legal action against offenders.
FBOs have been specifically warned to ensure proper declaration of Cheese Analogue, maintain mandatory labelling and valid licenses, and avoid repacking or selling analogue products as paneer. According to Vaibhav Gaikwad Raghunath, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Commissioner’s Task Force, Hyderabad, the advisory has been issued in the interest of public health and consumer safety, with strict legal action to follow against those found violating food safety regulations.
