A toxic staple: Fake paneer exposes regulatory failure

THE revelation that nearly half the paneer sold in Punjab’s markets is spurious should set off alarm bells beyond the state. Paneer is not a luxury product; it is a daily protein source for millions, integral to Punjabi households, school meals and vegetarian diets across north India. When such a staple turns toxic, it points to a systemic failure in food safety governance. A recent report showing that 47 per cent of paneer samples failed quality tests is not an aberration. Repeated seizures over the years — 545 kg in Ludhiana in April, 1.5 quintals destroyed in October last year and earlier raids in Phagwara and elsewhere — tell a story of an entrenched and thriving underground industry. Warnings from health experts about adulterants like starch, synthetic milk solids and harmful chemicals underscore the crisis.