Bhubaneswar: Concerns over the alleged sale of synthetic or analogue paneer in Odisha have grown, prompting food safety authorities to intensify inspections in different parts of the state. Officials have been checking paneer and other dairy products amid growing concerns among consumers about the quality and authenticity of products being sold in local markets.
The issue has attracted attention beyond Odisha as well, with reports of restrictions on analogue paneer in states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. The developments have renewed the debate over food safety standards and the need for effective monitoring of dairy products.
Paneer And Dairy Products Inspected In Cuttack
In Cuttack, food safety officials conducted inspections and raids at locations where paneer and other dairy products were being sold. Products including paneer, curd and chhena were examined as part of efforts to detect possible adulteration.
Similar concerns have been reported from Bhadrak, where packaged paneer was allegedly found being sold in the market. The inspections have raised questions about whether consumers are always able to distinguish genuine dairy-based paneer from products made using substitutes.
Officials are expected to examine the samples collected during such inspections to determine whether they comply with prescribed food safety and quality standards.
What Is Analogue Paneer?
Analogue paneer is different from traditional paneer, which is generally prepared from milk. Some analogue products may contain ingredients such as palm oil, milk powder and starch, depending on their formulation.
The use of alternative ingredients can reduce manufacturing costs and shorten production time, making such products commercially attractive. However, their appearance and texture can sometimes resemble conventional paneer, making it difficult for consumers to identify the difference simply by looking at the product.
This has led to concerns over mislabeling, consumer awareness and food safety compliance, particularly when products are sold without adequate information.
Consumers Concerned Over Quality
The controversy has also created uncertainty among consumers who regularly purchase paneer for household consumption.
A consumer from Cuttack said that paneer is an important food option for vegetarian families and that consumers often look for affordable products. Another consumer pointed out that people tend to purchase paneer available in the open market when prices are lower, leaving them dependent on sellers for information about product quality.
The concerns are particularly significant for families that regularly include paneer in children’s meals.
How To Be Cautious While Buying Paneer
Consumers have been advised to pay attention to the packaging, ingredients, manufacturing details and labelling when purchasing packaged paneer.
Information circulating in connection with the issue suggests that consumers may also observe how paneer behaves when heated. However, appearance or cooking behaviour alone should not be treated as a definitive test of authenticity. Laboratory testing remains the more reliable way to establish whether a product complies with food safety standards.
Consumers should preferably purchase paneer from reliable sources and avoid products with damaged packaging, unclear labels or questionable storage conditions.
NHRC Seeks Clarity From FSSAI
The matter has also reportedly reached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which has sought clarification from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regarding the continued sale of analogue paneer in states where restrictions have not been imposed.
The development has added another dimension to the ongoing food safety debate and placed greater focus on the regulatory framework governing such products.
The key question now is whether Odisha will introduce additional measures or strengthen its existing enforcement mechanism to identify and prevent the sale of products that fail to meet prescribed standards.
Need For Stronger Monitoring
While periodic raids and inspections can help identify violations, questions remain over whether such action alone is sufficient to prevent adulterated or improperly labelled products from reaching consumers.
Regular sampling, laboratory testing, effective enforcement and greater consumer awareness could play an important role in addressing concerns surrounding paneer and other dairy products.
For now, food safety officials in Odisha are continuing their scrutiny, while consumers remain cautious about the quality of paneer available in local markets.
