Harmful Adulterated paneer On Your Plate?
Paneer is a delicious and versatile ingredient that adds a touch of magic to countless Indian dishes. However, recent news of adulterated paneer circulating in the market raises a crucial concern: how can you be sure you’re getting the real deal?
Why you should be aware of Harmful Adulterated paneer
Bangalore residents, be vigilant when you order dishes containing paneer (cottage cheese) from hotels or purchase it from local markets. The city police have recently uncovered a disturbing trend: adulterated paneer, devoid of any milk content, has infiltrated the market. Instead, this so-called paneer is made from urea and other harmful chemicals, posing significant health risks to consumers.
Paneer, the soft cheese synonymous with vegetarian delights in India, is a staple in many households. From melt-in-your-mouth palak paneer to crispy paneer pakoras, its versatility makes it a popular choice. But what if the paneer on your plate isn’t quite what it seems? The unfortunate truth is that paneer adulteration is a growing concern, posing a threat to both your health and trust in the food supply chain.
Major crack down by authorities on Adulterated paneer
In a major crackdown, the police seized one-and-a-half tonnes of adulterated paneer from an outlet on 16th Cross, Lakkasandra, near Wilson Garden, and Marathahalli. The operation led to the arrest of five individuals connected to this illicit trade. According to the police, the entire stock originated from Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu and lacked proper labeling, including manufacturing and expiry dates, as well as maximum retail price details.
Police Commissioner BG Jyothi Prakash Mirji stated, “We have sent the samples to a chemical laboratory for analysis. The Food and Civil Supplies Department (FCSD) and Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike’s health department have been informed about the seizure. We have also sought further action on the Adulterated paneer foodstuff.” The health implications are severe, as preliminary investigations suggest that consuming this adulterated paneer could damage internal organs, including kidneys.
The seizure operation targeted Sri Sai Baba Enterprises and another premises in Chowdeshwari Layout, Marathahalli, following confessions from the accused. “Most of these materials came in different names and from different manufacturers in Dharmapuri,” Mirji revealed. The five arrested individuals are S Subramani, 32, of Krishnappa Garden, Tavarekere; S Krishnamurthy, 48, of Nanjappa Layout, Adugodi; C Shekhar Reddy, 40, of Chowdeshwari Layout, Marathahalli; N Rajendra, 55, of Sudhamanagar; and B Prashanth, 20, of AD Dasarahalli. Along with the adulterated paneer, a Maruti Omni van used for transportation and two mobile phones were seized.
Why Adulterated paneer Happens: A Question of Profit
The motivation for is Adulterated paneer is simple: greed. Milk, the primary ingredient in paneer, is a relatively expensive component. By using cheaper alternatives, manufacturers can increase their profit margins. Furthermore, a lack of stringent regulations and lax enforcement allows some unscrupulous producers to operate with impunity.
An investigating officer emphasized that the Adulterated paneer is unfit for human consumption. “We will know about the exact nature of the toxic materials used in the Adulterated paneer after chemical analysis. An independent investigation will be conducted by the civic authorities and FCSD officials,” the officer said. This highlights the pressing need for stricter quality controls and more rigorous checks on food products entering Bangalore’s markets.
The threat of adulterated paneer is compounded by the prevalence of ‘Salem’ milk, a term used in Bangalore to describe adulterated milk made with urea and other hazardous chemicals. Over the past few years, several thousands of liters of such milk have been seized by the police. This adulterated milk not only contaminates the supply of milk but also used to make Adulterated paneer, which are now flooding the city.
Consumers must exercise caution when purchasing paneer and other dairy products. opt for trusted brands, check for proper labeling, and be wary of unusually low prices, which might indicate adulteration. Report any suspicious products to the authorities to help curb this dangerous practice.
At The paneer factory there is zero tolerance towards Adulterated paneer
At The Paneer Factory, we are committed to providing only the highest quality paneer made from pure milk. Our products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet the highest safety and quality standards. We urge all consumers to remain vigilant and prioritize their health by choosing reliable sources for their paneer and other dairy needs.
Stay informed, stay safe, and let’s work together to ensure the integrity of our food supply.