Maharashtra bans analogue paneer: 6 months jail, Rs 1 lakh fine

Paneer is a powerhouse of nutrition and is often consumed by vegetarians as a rich source of protein. Unfortunately, in recent times, this diary item has gone under a lot of adulteration and keeping the seriousness of the matter, Maharashtra has compleel banned the manufacture and sale of analogue or non-dairy paneer, with violations attracting up to six months in jail and a fine of Rs 1 lakh, under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Scroll down to read the details.What did the FDA order say?According to the ban order issued by Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, the manufacture, processing, packing, storage, transportation, wholesale and retail sale, distribution, and offering for sale of analogue or non-dairy paneer have been prohibited across the state. The latest news update states that in cases where the consumption of unsafe food results in death, the law provides for life imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs 10 lakh.The Maharashtra FDA has also warned that selling analogue paneer as genuine dairy paneer would amount to misleading consumers and constitute an unfair trade practice under the food safety law. Strict legal action would be initiated against individuals or establishments found indulging in such practices.What is Analogue Paneer? As defined by the FSSAI for regulations around all dairy products, “Analogue means a product in which constituents not derived from milk take the place, in part or in whole, of any milk constituent(s) and the final product resembles, organoleptically and/or functionally, milk or milk product or composite milk product as defined in these regulations.”In simple words, analogue paneer is something that is made from ingredients other than milk. And as per reports, market players often make it with vegetable oils, starch and milk solids, and these are not good for the human body.How to identify Analogue or Fake Paneer? While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a lot of tests and measures to check adulteration in milk and milk products, there are certain ways in which you can do the quality check of store-bought paneer at home as well. Take a look at the following tips and tricks:Taste and texture: Pure or natural paneer is made with regular milk that uses an acidic content to curdle the milk and it has a distinctive firm texture and carries a fresh, milky aroma. So, always taste it before buying. And if the paneer doesn't offer that creamy texture and milky aroma, avoid it.Read the package: While buying read-to-eat paneer, it's crucial to examine the product label carefully, as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has strict regulations requiring manufacturers to clearly indicate when non-dairy substitutes are used. Look specifically for terms like "analogue" or "imitation" on the packaging, as these legally must be displayed if the product isn't authentic paneer.Use your hands: Simply mash some paneer using your clean and bare hands. The adulterated paneer is made with skimmed milk, hence, it cannot bear the pressure of hands and will start falling apart when pressure is applied.Use iodine tincture: To test whether the paneer is natural or artificial, one can use iodine tincture. Add water to a pan, place the paneer in it, and bring it to a boil. Let it cool down, then add a few drops of iodine tincture and see if the color changes to blue, which means the paneer is artificial.Use arhar dal: For this test, boil paneer in some water, and after it cools down, add some tur dal powder and let it rest for 10 minutes. If the color of the paneer changes to light red, it is a sign that the paneer is made with detergent or urea.Use soybean powder: Boil some paneer in water, let it cool down, and then add some soybean powder to it. If the color of the paneer changes to light red, it is a sign that the paneer is made with detergent or urea.The rising concerns over adulterated paneer has made people look for other healthy alternatives which offer similar or more protein content. Here we have curated a list of 6 foods which offer more protein than paneer and can be smartly substituted in all types of dishes. Tofu: With 15 gms of protein per 100 gms, tofu is a versatile soy-based food. It is also low in calories, rich in iron, and ideal for vegan diets.Tempeh: It offers 19 gms of protein per 100 gms and is gut-friendly food that helps promote digestive health.Seitan: Seitan packs almost 25 gms of protein per 100 gms and gives meat-like texture and taste.Lentils: Cooked lentils offer almost 26 g of protein per 100 gms. They are rich in fiber, which aid digestion and weight management while offering a sustained energy release.Soy beans: It offers 36 g protein per 100 gms making a smart protein source. It is also rich in amino acids and antioxidants.Chickpeas: Chickpeas offer almost 19 gms of protein per 100 gms, which helps promote muscle strength, bone health and better digestion.Looking for trusted parenting advice? Follow TOI Parenting Circle on Instagram for expert guidance, relatable stories, and practical tips delivered every day.