Food Safety / Fake Paneer Floods Odisha Markets, Health Risks Loom Large

Bhubaneswar, Aug 22: A disturbing trend has emerged across Odisha’s major cities, with raids exposing large quantities of adulterated paneer and expired milk products being sold in Bhubaneswar, Kataka, and Brahmapur. The findings have sparked alarm over food safety and consumer health.

Paneer That Turns Black

Food safety standards mandate that paneer be prepared from pure milk. However, unscrupulous traders have been mixing flour, arrowroot powder, and even harmful chemicals to increase yield and shelf life. Officials warn such adulteration poses serious health hazards. In Brahmapur, raids at over 15 shops in Khalsa Sahi, Aga Sahi, Military Line, and SNT Road revealed paneer samples turning black when tested with iodine — a clear sign of contamination. In Bhubaneswar, inspections at restaurants including The World Mall led to the seizure of fake paneer and expired milk packets, which were destroyed.

Supply Chains Under Scrutiny

Investigations traced a major supply chain to Niali in Kataka district, where warehouses were found mixing skimmed milk powder and other chemicals. Reports suggest caustic soda, liquid soap, urea, and toxic additives were being used to prepare paneer and milk products, raising grave concerns about consumer safety.

Cheap Paneer, Costly Risks

The economics of adulteration explain why the practice thrives. From 100 litres of milk, only 18 kg of genuine paneer can be produced, retailing at over Rs400 per kg. In contrast, adulterated paneer is sold in open markets for Rs250–Rs300 per kg, allowing traders to profit while endangering public health.
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Investments Undermined

This comes despite significant government investment in the dairy sector. The Centre has allocated over Rs1,500 crore, while Odisha’s Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana alone involves Rs1,437 crore. Yet consumers remain deprived of safe milk and dairy products. Experts warn that unless FSSAI norms, trademark rules, and municipal licensing are strictly enforced, profiteering traders will continue to play with people’s lives.