Paneer scare in Surat: 1,401 kg seized, lab finds industrial acid traces

As many as 1,401 kg of paneer seized from a Pandesara-based unit has been declared substandard in laboratory tests, with officials finding that it contained vegetable oil and traces of industrial acid instead of natural milk fat.

Joint raid leads to seizure

The stock was recovered during a joint raid by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) and the Special Operations Group (SOG) on March 3 at Amrut Milk Product in Bhidbhanjan Society, Pandesara. Acting on a tip-off that a person identified as Mahesh Sharma was producing fake paneer, authorities also seized machinery worth ₹28.44 lakh from the unit.

Samples sent for testing later confirmed that the paneer did not meet food safety standards.

Low-cost supply chain flagged

Officials said the paneer had reportedly been sold at low prices for the past two years. Around 400 kg was being produced daily and supplied across the local market, including dairies, street vendors, restaurants, and caterers.

Repeat violations raise concerns

In a separate case, paneer seized earlier from Surbhi Dairy was also declared substandard. According to lab findings, it was analogue paneer made using vegetable oil, starch, acetic acid, and low-quality milk.

Although the dairy was sealed following the action, it was later reopened after operators submitted a written assurance that such violations would not be repeated.

Rising seizures across the city

Civic officials have reported a growing trend of adulterated dairy products in the city. Over the past six months, more than 4,000 kg of substandard paneer has been seized in Surat.

Authorities noted that a significant quantity of such products had already entered the market before enforcement action, raising concerns about public health and food safety oversight.