Fake Paneer Scam 2025: Are You Eating Healthy Food or Consuming Poison?

These days, is the paneer we easily find in the market even real? Or what if we are unknowingly consuming slow poison?

Paneer is considered a heavenly food for vegetarians. Since they don’t eat chicken, paneer becomes their primary source of protein. But what if the same paneer they consume to fulfill their protein deficiency is actually harming their health — causing issues like heart problems and digestive disorders?

In many cities, the fake paneer scam has been exposed. This scam continues mainly because most people are unaware, and some greedy individuals sell fake paneer just to make more money — without caring that they are selling poison and risking people’s health.

Fake paneer can affect individuals both in the short term and long term. This scam has been going on for years, but due to a lack of awareness, articles, and trusted sources, many people remain unaware and continue to fall victim to it.

So, in this article, we will understand what the fake paneer scam is, how it works, and how you can protect yourself from it.

How is Fake Paneer Made?

First, let’s clear up a common misconception — many people think that analogue paneer and fake paneer are the same, but technically, they are not.

Analog paneer is made using milk protein and vegetable oil instead of real milk. It is legal if it follows FSSAI guidelines. Analog paneer is commonly used by restaurants and fast food chains because it is cheaper than real paneer.

Now, let’s come to the main point.

Fake paneer, on the other hand, is made using harmful substances like detergent, shampoo, urea, starch, refined oil, vanaspati, and synthetic milk. It is extremely dangerous for health. People produce and sell this fake paneer solely to make a profit.

If you look at the ingredients used to make it — none of them are edible. Still, these are used to manufacture fake paneer and sold in the market to earn money. Unfortunately, we unknowingly consume this poison.

Fake Paneer vs Analogue Paneer

Feature	Analogue Paneer	Fake Paneer
Made From	Milk proteins + vegetable oil	Harmful/Non-edible chemicals
Legal	Legal (if labeled properly)	Illegal
Nutritional Value	Low (but still food-grade)	Dangerous for health
Looks Like Paneer	Yes	Yes (sometimes even better looking)
Commonly Used In	Bulk food industry	Sold in scams or cheap local markets

What is Fake Paneer Scam?

The fake paneer scam is a food adulteration scam in which people use synthetic and harmful substances to make paneer.

This paneer may look just like real paneer and in some cases, it may even appear better, but it is extremely dangerous from the inside. The main purpose of this scam is to reduce the production cost and make money by risking people’s lives.

This scam mostly takes place in local dairy shops, street vendors, cheap hotel suppliers, and similar sources. One of the major reasons this scam succeeds is that people often buy food without checking labels or verifying the source.

Think about it — if you buy paneer from a well-known, reputable dairy shop, it costs around ₹500–₹600 per kg. But if someone is selling you paneer at a much lower price, how is that even possible?
Because it’s fake.

So next time you buy paneer, pause and think — is it worth risking your health for a cheaper price?

Fake Paneer Scam Cases in India

1. Gujarat – Adulterated Paneer Seized (January 2025)

Location: Rajkot
Seizure: 800 kg of fake paneer
Details: Rajkot SOG raided “Gujarat Foods” factory, seizing paneer made with milk powder, acetic acid, and palm oil. The adulterated paneer was intended for restaurants. Samples were collected and sent for testing.
Source: Vibes of India

2. Gujarat – Fake Paneer Factory Raided (February 2025)

Location: Ahmedabad
Seizure: 1,500 kg of fake paneer
Details: The FDCA raided a factory named Dwarkesh Dairy Products in Ahmedabad. The factory was found using palm oil and industrial-grade acetic acid to make paneer. The unit was sealed, and samples were collected for lab testing.
Source: Desh Gujarat

3. Jharkhand – Statewide Crackdown on Dairy Adulteration (June 2025)

Location: Ranchi, Ramgarh, Hazaribagh
Seizure: Approx. 4,120 kg of fake paneer and 750 kg of synthetic khoya
Details:

• Ramgarh Toll Plaza (June 2, 2025): Officials seized 120 kg paneer and 750 kg khoya from a private bus. Samples were collected; remaining stock was destroyed.
• Hazaribagh (Late May): Around 4,000 kg of paneer being transported via bus was seized, suspected to be made with starch and chemicals.
  Source 1: Times of India – Ramgarh: 1,000 kg impure paneer, khowa seized
  Source 2: Times of India – Jharkhand: 4,000 kg fake paneer seized in Hazaribagh

4. Uttar Pradesh – Massive Crackdown (May 2025)

Location: Gorakhpur and Gautam Buddha Nagar
Seizure: 2,500 kg of fake paneer and 13,076 litres of counterfeit bottled water
Details: Authorities uncovered illegal production units using harmful substances like synthetic colours and saccharin. The fake paneer was destroyed, and the units were sealed.
Source: NDTV

5. Dehradun – Char Dham Yatra Supply (April 2025)

Location: Dehradun and Saharanpur
Seizure: 720 kg of fake paneer intended for the Char Dham Yatra
Details: Police arrested two individuals and raided a factory in Saharanpur, recovering 16 quintals of adulterated paneer made with chemicals and equipment.
Source: Garhwal Post

Health Risks of Fake Paneer

Eating fake paneer is like consuming slow poison. It may look and taste like the real one, but it silently harms your body every day.
Given below is the list of health risks that can occur due to the consumption of fake paneer:

• Stomach infection and food poisoning
• Kidney damage
• Liver disorders
• Heart problems
• Increased risk of cancer
• Hormonal imbalance
• Weak immune system
• Skin allergies and rashes
• Breathing problems
• Long-term digestive issues

How to Identify Fake Paneer

1. Boiling Test
   • Boil a piece of paneer for 5–10 minutes.
   • Real paneer stays soft; fake paneer becomes rubbery or breaks.
2. Smell Check
   • Fake paneer may smell like soap, shampoo, or chemicals due to adulterants.
3. Texture & Touch Test
   • Real paneer is soft and crumbly.
   • Fake paneer feels hard, rubbery, or sticky.
4. Fire Test
   • Burn a small piece of paneer.
   • If it smells like burning plastic or melts oddly, it may be fake.
5. Taste Test
   • Fake paneer may taste bitter, sour, or soapy compared to fresh real paneer.
6. Lemon Juice Test
   • Drop lemon juice on paneer.
   • If it foams or reacts, it may contain detergent.
7. Color Check
   • Real paneer is off-white.
   • Too white or glossy could indicate synthetic ingredients.
8. Iodine Test
   • Add a drop of iodine to mashed paneer.
   • If it turns blue, it indicates presence of starch — a sign of fake paneer.
9. Dal Water Test (Arhar/Tur Dal)
   • Mix paneer in dal water and boil.
   • If the water turns yellowish, it indicates the presence of washing powder or detergent.

Government Regulations and Actions Against the Fake Paneer Scam in India

To prevent the fake paneer scam and other food adulteration, the government has implemented rules and regulations to protect us from harmful substances. Some of the important rules and regulations are given below:

FSSAI Standards for Paneer

• The milk fat content in dry matter should not be less than 50%.
• Paneer must be free from harmful additives, synthetic milk, and chemical substances.

Note: Learn more on the official FSSAI document

Analogue Paneer Rules

• FSSAI allows analogue paneer (made with milk protein and vegetable oil) only if it is properly labeled.
• It must not be sold as “paneer” and should clearly state:
  “This is a milk analogue product – not paneer.”

Note: Read FSSAI guidelines on analogue paneer

Food Adulteration Act

• Under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, selling fake or adulterated paneer is a criminal offense.
• Penalties include:
  • Fines up to ₹5 lakhs
  • Imprisonment up to 6 years
  • License cancellation for repeat offenders

Note: Details on the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act

Tips to Avoid the Fake Paneer Scam

• Always buy paneer from trusted brands or verified dairy shops.
• Real paneer is white in color, not yellowish or plastic-like.
• Dip paneer in water — if it starts dissolving or becomes too soft, it may be fake.
• Always check the label on the paneer packaging before buying.
• Avoid buying paneer from local vendors just because it’s cheaper.
• Try making paneer at home for safety and freshness.
• You can test paneer using the iodine test (to detect starch).
• You can also try the dal test (pure paneer doesn’t break like dal when rubbed).

Final Thoughts on the Fake Paneer Scam

If you think you’re eating healthy food, think again. Fake paneer is harmful to your health — it’s like slow poison. Cheap paneer might save you money now, but later, it can cost you your health.

This is not just news about a fake paneer scam — it’s a reality in every kitchen. Be smart and don’t fall for such food adulteration scams.

Now that you’re aware of the fake paneer issue, it’s time to spread the word and make your neighbors aware too. Always remember: whether it’s paneer or any other item, always check the label and product details before buying. This can protect you from falling victim to such scams to a great extent.

Think smart, eat smart, and stay safe from this silent poison.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fake Paneer Scam

Q1. What is the Fake Paneer Scam in India?

The fake paneer scam is run by individuals who aim to make a profit by selling paneer made from non-edible chemicals like detergent, shampoo, synthetic milk, urea, and starch. This paneer looks like the real one, but it is nothing less than poison—it slowly harms your health.

Q2. How to Identify Fake Paneer in the Market?

You can identify fake paneer by doing a few simple tests:

• Boil Test: Boil a piece of paneer for 5–10 minutes. Real paneer stays soft, while fake paneer becomes rubbery or breaks apart.
• Smell Test: Fake paneer may have a strong smell like soap or shampoo.
• Color Test: Real paneer is off-white in color, whereas fake paneer appears too white or glossy.

Q3. What Is Fake Paneer Made Of?

Fake paneer is made using harmful, non-edible ingredients such as:

• Detergent
• Shampoo
• Synthetic milk
• Urea
• Starch
• Refined oil or vanaspati

These ingredients are extremely harmful for human consumption and can be hazardous to health.

Q4. Side Effects of Consuming Fake Paneer?

Regular consumption of fake paneer can lead to several serious health issues, including:

• Stomach infections and food poisoning
• Liver and kidney damage
• Heart problems
• Weakened immune system
• Skin allergies and long-term digestive issues

Q5. Where Has Fake Paneer Scam Been Caught in India?

Fake paneer scams have been exposed in several states, including:

• Uttar Pradesh
• Jharkhand 
• Bihar
• Delhi NCR
• Dehradun 

Also Read:

How Much Protein in Soya Paneer (Tofu) Per 100g?