Paneer Purity Questioned: Expert Calls It Most Adulterated Food

Paneer, a popular dairy product, is now considered the most adulterated food by former BCCI chef Arun Chauhan. He expressed that pure paneer is increasingly difficult to find, though he acknowledged that high-quality paneer is available in restaurants, albeit with increased fat content. Dietitian Amreen Sheikh supports these concerns, explaining that paneer's high demand and short shelf life make it vulnerable to adulteration, with vendors sometimes using starch, detergents, or synthetic milk components.

Sheikh advises consumers to be vigilant for warning signs such as a rubbery texture, unnatural color, sour smell, or crumbly consistency. Unusually low prices can also be a red flag. However, she emphasizes that not all paneer is unsafe and urges consumers to focus on purchasing from reputable brands and trusted vendors, rather than avoiding paneer entirely. It remains an excellent source of protein and nutrients for a balanced diet.