Mumbai Seizes 550 Kg of Fake Paneer

Cheese analogue, the seized item, is a cheaper and less nutritious alternative made from milk powder and palm oil, lacking the essential nutrients of real milk-based paneer. According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), such products should be labeled explicitly as analogues. Selling them as authentic paneer contravenes food safety regulations and poses health risks, including food poisoning.

Authorities caution that food adulteration is on the rise as India approaches its festive time, urging consumers to stay alert by purchasing from reliable vendors and checking product labels. This issue casts a light on the prevailing challenges for the global dairy industry posed by food fraud, threatening public health and the economic integrity of the agribusiness sector.

Seizures like these highlight the importance of regulatory oversight and consumer education in ensuring the safety of the food supply chain. The Mumbai incident serves as a critical reminder of the need for transparency and trust in sourcing and sale practices within the dairy industry.