Hyderabad Cops Uncover Massive Fake Paneer Racket

Hyderabad police have uncovered a widespread operation involving the sale of fake and misbranded paneer. Special Task Force raids resulted in the seizure of approximately 825 kilograms of suspected adulterated paneer from numerous retail outlets and manufacturing units across the city.

Investigations revealed that Cheese Analogue products, made with vegetable fats and non-milk ingredients, were being deceptively marketed and sold as various forms of paneer, such as 'Malai Paneer' and 'Fresh Paneer.' Many of these items lacked essential labeling, including manufacturing dates, batch numbers, and expiry details.

Authorities stated that traders were importing these fake paneer products from manufacturers located in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. This practice aimed to increase profits by misrepresenting the product to consumers. Repacking of bulk products under misleading names like 'Premium Paneer' was also observed, often without the necessary licenses or traceability.

Food safety violations discovered included the use of starch, excess water, synthetic milk, and non-food-grade substances. Several businesses operated without valid FSSAI licenses and maintained unhygienic storage conditions. These deceptive practices pose serious health risks, including food poisoning and allergic reactions, prompting ongoing enforcement drives and laboratory testing of seized samples.