83% of Paneer Samples Fail Quality Tests: FSSAI Launches Massive Nationwide Crackdown

17 Dec 2025, 15:27 by Vinay Kakkad · KalingaTV

In a major move to address growing public health concerns, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a nationwide special enforcement drive to curb the rampant adulteration and misbranding of milk and milk products.

This directive, is a direct response to a mounting “fake paneer” crisis that has seen nearly half of the tested samples fail safety standards in several states.

The “Fake Paneer” Crisis: A Public Health Alert

While the crackdown covers milk, khoya, and ghee, the primary focus is on the alarming rise of “analogue” or synthetic paneer. Recent data shared in Parliament and local raids have painted a chilling picture:

Shocking Failure Rates: Nationwide FSSAI data indicates that 83% of paneer samples recently tested failed to meet quality benchmarks. Even more concerning, roughly 40% were deemed hazardous for human consumption.
The “Chemical Recipe”: Investigations have revealed that “fake” paneer is often a cocktail of refined palm oil (to mimic fat), starch or flour (for bulk), and glacial acetic acid (for instant curdling).
Industrial Additives: In some extreme cases, authorities found traces of detergents, urea, and industrial whitening agents used to give the product a fresh, bright appearance and foamy texture.

Key Highlights of the FSSAI Directive

The FSSAI has invoked Section 16(5) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, empowering regulators to take urgent measures in the interest of public health.

Traceability Exercise: Authorities are no longer just seizing stock; they are tracing “non-conforming” samples back to the source to dismantle illegal manufacturing networks.
Hospitality Sector Accountability: The directive specifically puts hotels, restaurants, and caterers on notice. They must ensure that only safe and genuine paneer is used; ignorance of the supplier’s fraud is no longer a defense.
Real-Time Surveillance: States are mandated to upload all inspection data to the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) in real-time, ensuring a transparent digital trail of enforcement actions.
Inter-State Coordination: Since fake dairy often moves across state lines (with recent major busts in Noida, Jammu, and Agra), FSSAI is strengthening coordination between state commissioners to curb transit.

Kitchen Tests: Is Your Paneer Real?

With “fake paneer” becoming a household fear, here are simple ways to check your purchase:

The Iodine Test: Drop a little iodine solution on a piece of paneer. If it turns blue-black, it contains starch (a common filler).
The Boil Test: Boil a piece of paneer in water and let it cool. If it becomes rubbery or “springy” like a sponge, it likely contains synthetic additives. Real paneer should remain soft but firm.
The Texture Test: Real paneer is slightly crumbly when pressed. Fake paneer often feels “plasticky” and may have a chemical, non-milky smell.

The Insight: This isn’t just a seasonal raid; it is a systemic cleanup of the dairy supply chain. By targeting both licensed and unlicensed operators, the FSSAI is attempting to restore consumer trust in a country where dairy is a nutritional backbone.