173 Kg analog paneer seized in Ahmedabad, hotels served substandard samples

Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has seized 173 kilograms of analog (adulterated) paneer worth ₹52,880 from dairy units in Sola Road, Vejalpur and Naroda GIDC Phase-1 after discovering that it was allegedly being sold as regular milk paneer.

Officials said large quantities of analog paneer were being sourced from outside the city and supplied to hotels, restaurants and dairy outlets across multiple areas. Acting on the inputs, the AMC Food Department launched a special inspection drive earlier this month targeting milk and milk products.

During the checks, more than 110 samples were collected and sent to the civic laboratory for testing. Paneer samples taken from around 10 hotels in Navrangpura, Vejalpur, Jodhpur, Satellite, Nikol and Thakkarbapanagar were found to be substandard.

Under the Food Safety Act, the sale of analog paneer is permitted. However, officials clarified that selling it as pure milk paneer amounts to misleading consumers.

Food department officer Dr Tejas Shah said penalties have been imposed on 10 units whose samples failed quality standards. He added that the department is now working to identify suppliers who are passing off analog paneer as genuine paneer in the city.

Analog paneer is typically made from vegetable oil, starch and milk powder. It contains vegetable fats such as palm oil, has lower protein content compared to milk paneer, and is generally cheaper.

Further investigation is underway.

What Is Analog Paneer?

Made from vegetable oil, starch, and milk powder

Contains vegetable fats such as palm oil

Has lower nutritional value and protein content

May have an artificial taste

Higher oil and starch content makes it less healthy

Cheaper compared to pure milk paneer