Fake paneer alert! During festive seasons, the demand for paneer shoots up—and so does the supply of adulterated paneer, posing severe health risks. This fake paneer is often made with urea, detergent, tinopal, or hydrogenated oils, which act as slow poisons in the body. Consuming such paneer can cause stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, allergies, and nausea, and long-term use may lead to liver or kidney failure, even cancer.

To check purity, real paneer is soft, smells milky, and floats in water. In contrast, fake paneer smells chemical-like, feels rubbery, and sinks. When rubbed, it becomes sticky, and when dipped in hot water, it starts melting or breaking. Applying iodine tincture on fake paneer also changes its colour.

If you find adulterated food, report it to FSSAI’s helpline 1800-11-2100, National Consumer Helpline 1800-11-4000 / 14404, or WhatsApp 9793429747. You can also complain via the Food Safety Connect app or the FSSAI website.

Fake paneer may look real-but it can silently damage your organs. Stay alert, stay safe, and choose purity this festive season.