Ahmedabad: A substandard variant of paneer is being dished out by some Ahmedabad restaurants, with ‘analogue’ paneer made of vegetable fat masquerading as the real deal made of milk. The health department of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) tested samples, of which 50 were found to be substandard and 27 turned out to be ‘analogue paneer’.
Health Department Campaign Against Analogue Paneer
An official from the health department stated, “The sale of ‘analogue paneer’ is increasing in Ahmedabad city. Some restaurants and hotels are passing off ‘analogue paneer’ as milk paneer and deceiving customers.” The official added, “Therefore, we have launched a campaign against ‘analogue paneer.’ We are inspecting restaurants, hotels, and food units, and collecting paneer samples for testing.” Over the past three months, the department has seized 1,415 kg of suspected ‘analogue paneer’.
“Low-fat paneer, considered substandard as well, is also being sold as milk paneer,” the official said. From February 1 to February 22 this year, the health department collected paneer samples from different areas of the city. Among them, 10 samples from 10 restaurants and food units were declared substandard. All these paneer samples contained vegetable fat, with a lower proportion of milk fat.
Regulations and Penalties
According to regulations, if restaurants sell ‘analogue paneer’ with vegetable fat, that information must be mentioned on their menu. “Efforts are being made to raise awareness among customers on substandard paneer,” the official said. The food department of the AMC has declared samples from various restaurants substandard, including from outlets in Nikol, Thakkarbapanagar, Bapunagar, Navrangpura, Vejalpur, Satellite, Jodhpur, and Naroda. Other samples declared substandard came from outlets on Anandnagar Road and Amraiwadi. All these units were fined between Rs 7,000 and Rs 10,000.
Information was gathered about the source of the paneer stock from these restaurants, leading to raids at three locations. A total of 173 kg of paneer stock was seized from dairies on Sola Road, Vejalpur, and Naroda. An AMC official stated, “According to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, ‘analogue paneer’ can be served, but using or presenting it as ‘paneer’ is equivalent to cheating the customers.” The official added, “Units using ‘analogue paneer’ must mention that on their menus. If they don’t, they will face action under the Food Safety and Standards Act and other legislation.”
How to Differentiate Between Milk Paneer and Analogue Paneer
Milk paneer is made of milk, contains natural milk fat, and is rich in nutrients and protein. It is natural but expensive. In contrast, ‘analogue paneer’ is made with vegetable oil, starch, and milk powder, often containing vegetable fat like palm oil. It has fewer nutrients and protein and carries a slightly artificial taste. It is less healthy but cheaper. To differentiate between milk paneer and ‘analogue paneer’, check the label if packaged. The milk paneer label will say: “Made from milk”, “Full cream milk”, or “Cow/buffalo milk”. The ‘analogue paneer’ label will mention: “Vegetable oil”, “Palm oil”, “Milk solids”, or “Starch”. When pressed, milk paneer is soft, crumbly, and releases water. ‘Analogue paneer’ is rubbery and regains shape when pressing is ceased.
