The controversy over synthetic or analogue paneer has intensified in Amritsar, with the Food Safety Department stepping up inspections across dairies and food establishments. Following the government advisory against the sale of analogue paneer, teams have started collecting samples of suspected products for laboratory testing.
Amritsar District Health Officer Dr Mandeep Singh Ratol said several paneer samples have already been collected and sent to the state laboratory. He clarified that analogue paneer can contain ingredients such as vegetable oil, emulsifiers, milk solids and different fats instead of being made entirely from regular dairy milk.
The department said legal action will be initiated if laboratory reports establish that a product is unsafe or fails to meet prescribed food safety standards. Suspected food items may also be seized or sealed wherever necessary.
The issue has also triggered concern among dairy farmers and genuine milk producers. Karamjit Singh Nangli, Amritsar district president of Bharatiya Kisan Ekta Sidhupur, alleged that synthetic milk, paneer and khoya are affecting the livelihoods of farmers who depend on genuine dairy production.
He also expressed concern that the use of such products could pose a risk to consumers, particularly during the festive season when demand for paneer and other dairy products rises.
Dairy farmers have now given the health department a 10-day ultimatum, demanding stronger and more consistent action against those allegedly manufacturing or selling synthetic dairy products.
Nangli warned that if effective action is not taken within the deadline, the organisation could stage a permanent protest outside the DHO office.
Meanwhile, Dr Ratol has urged consumers to remain cautious while purchasing milk, paneer, khoya and sweets. People have been advised to report suspicious food products or establishments to the Food Safety Department so that inspections and sampling can be carried out.
The department has also advised consumers to avoid unhygienic food outlets and sweets with unusually bright or excessive colouring.
With samples already sent for testing, the next crucial step will be the laboratory reports. While the Food Safety Department maintains that action will be taken according to the findings, dairy farmers are demanding a more aggressive crackdown.
The coming days could therefore determine whether the synthetic paneer controversy in Amritsar leads to widespread enforcement or remains limited to inspections and sampling.