Post raids, paneer goes off shelves

Aman Sood

Tribune News Service

Patiala, August 23

After the statewide crackdown on units manufacturing spurious milk and milk products in the past two weeks, paneer (cottage cheese) has vanished in the markets. For the first time perhaps, Punjab is facing a paneer shortage, with shopkeepers and dairy owners refusing bulk orders. 

This amply indicates the amount of spurious dairy products that were being supplied to meet local demand. But the scarcity has those in the catering business worried. “Earlier, managing orders for 10-500 kg was not a problem. Now the orders have declined and so has paneer availability. Even paneer sold by government brand Verka is sold out within hours,” says Ferozepur-based dairy owner Gurbaksh Singh.

Consequently, the rates of paneer have spiralled — from Rs 120-Rs 180 per kg earlier to Rs 220 now, if purchased from a manufacturer directly, claims a shopkeeper. 

Adulterated paneer was allegedly making its way into local markets in connivance with health officials for Rs 5,000 per month. Also, these officials would charge Rs 10,000 for each food sample to be cleared by the lab.

“The raids will continue. It will force sellers to opt for quality products only,” said  ‘Tandarust Punjab’ director Kahan Singh Pannu.