In a shocking incident, Surat Police recently recovered 200 kg of fake paneer from a well-known local dairy during a raid. What appears at first to be a food-adulteration case is, in fact, a major public-health threat — one that every household must take seriously.

As a practising physician, I see the impact of adulterated dairy products more often than people realise. Paneer is a staple in Indian kitchens, but when it is made using detergents, starch, synthetic milk, hydrogenated fats or urea, it becomes a slow poison.

This incident is a reminder that “fake paneer” is not just cheating — it is dangerous.

Why Fake Paneer Is Harmful:

1. Severe Stomach & Intestinal Problems

Fake paneer often contains washing powder, starch, thickening agents or spoiled milk, which can irritate the stomach lining.
Common symptoms include:

- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhoea
- Food poisoning requiring hospitalisation

2. Kidney Stress and Long-Term Damage

When paneer is made using urea or synthetic milk, the kidneys are forced to work overtime to flush out toxins.

This can cause:

- Kidney inflammation
- Dehydration
- Long-term kidney load in children and elderly

3. Hormonal & Fertility Issues

Synthetic milk or adulterated dairy sometimes contains harmful chemicals or hormone-mimicking substances, which may:

- Disturb hormonal balance
- Affect menstrual cycle
- Impair fertility in both men and women

4. Allergic Reactions & Skin Problems

Detergent-based paneer can cause:

- Rashes
- Burning in mouth
- Throat irritation
- Sudden allergic reactions

5. Weakened Immunity

Continuous consumption of adulterated paneer exposes the body to toxins, reducing its immune response over time — making children more prone to infections.

How to Identify Fake Paneer at Home

-Texture Test

Real paneer is soft, slightly grainy and breaks unevenly.
Fake paneer is rubbery, overly smooth, and cuts too perfectly.

-Hot Water Test

Put a cube of paneer in hot water for 10 minutes.

- Real paneer becomes soft
- Fake paneer becomes rubbery or disintegrates due to starch

-Smell Test

Paneer should never smell like soap, chemicals, or sour milk.

-Oil Test

When heated, fake paneer may release oil because it contains fats and starch mixtures.

-Price Suspicion

Paneer sold at a significantly lower price than market average is usually adulterated.

My Medical Advice to the Public

1. Buy paneer only from trusted, reputed dairies

Do not fall for cheap rates. Pure milk and paneer have a base cost. Extremely low prices are a red flag.

2. Prefer homemade paneer whenever possible

Boil milk, add lemon or vinegar, strain, and set — this is the safest method.

3. Avoid roadside vendors or unknown dairy brands

Many small setups do not follow hygiene or purity standards.

4. Always check colour and texture

Paneer should be white or slightly off-white — never bright white or spongy.

5. If you or your child develops stomach issues after eating paneer, avoid that brand

Report suspected adulteration to local authorities or FSSAI helplines.

6. Diabetic, elderly and kidney-patients must be extra careful

Even small quantities of chemical-based paneer can cause serious complications.

The recovery of 200 kg fake paneer in Surat is not an isolated incident — it is a warning. As consumers, we must stay alert. As doctors, we urge people not to ignore the quality of foods they consume daily.

Food adulteration directly harms health. Awareness and caution are our strongest defence.

Surat – In a heartfelt and insightful conversation, former actress and wellness advocate Sana Khan sits down with Surat’s renowned gynecologist Dr. Dipti Patel to shed light on the emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions of pregnancy. Their exchange is not just a medical talk—it’s a comforting guide for every woman stepping into motherhood.

Together, they reaffirm a beautiful truth: motherhood is a divine blessing. From the moment of conception, a woman begins a lifelong journey filled with transformation, strength, and grace.

Early Screening: A Crucial First Step

Dr. Patel emphasizes the vital importance of early sonography—not just to confirm pregnancy, but to ensure the fetus is developing healthily.
Early scans help detect complications, offer peace of mind, and empower mothers to make timely, informed decisions.

Holistic Wellness: Nourishing Body and Mind

Pregnancy is more than just a physical state—it’s a complete lifestyle shift.

-Dr. Patel recommends a nutrient-rich diet filled with iron, folic acid, protein, and healthy fats to support both mother and baby.
-Sana candidly discusses emotional changes in early pregnancy—especially anxiety and fear.
-Dr. Patel reassures that these emotions are normal and highlights the need for emotional care, mindful rest, and support systems during this delicate time.

Being Available: Doctor-Patient Transparency

Dr. Patel shares her experience with urgent, last-minute visits, stressing the importance of reassurance through evidence-based care.
She and Sana both advocate for clear, open communication between doctors and patients—so that expectant mothers feel heard, not hurried.

Pregnancy: A Journey of Heart, Culture, and Faith

More than a biological event, pregnancy is a deeply emotional and spiritual experience.
Their conversation, set against the backdrop of Ramzan, beautifully weaves in the role of faith, family, and community.
It’s a reminder: motherhood is not walked alone—it's held together by compassion, culture, and shared strength.

Sana and Dr. Patel's Message to All Moms-To-Be

Celebrate pregnancy as both a miracle and a medical responsibility.
Don’t delay your first scan—ideally between 6 to 8 weeks.
Eat well, rest enough, and care for your mental health.
Lean on your tribe—doctors, family, friends, and faith.
Ask questions—no concern is too trivial when it comes to your baby.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're expecting your first child or guiding someone else through their journey, this conversation is a gentle yet powerful reminder:
Motherhood is a sacred gift—and every mother deserves support, care, and celebration at every step.઼