For the first time in Surat, a criminal case has been registered against a dairy owner after paneer samples failed the mandated quality test. The incident has raised serious concerns about food adulteration in the city, particularly in widely consumed items like paneer, which is a staple in households, restaurants, and street food businesses. The Special Operations Group (SOG) collected samples from Surabhi Dairy, after which the Food and Drug Department confirmed that the paneer did not meet the required quality standards. Following the failed report, SOG filed a case at Khatodara Police Station against the owner of Surabhi Dairy. In addition to the case registration, officials seized nearly 754 kilograms of paneer from the dairy unit. The adulterated paneer was reportedly being supplied at very low rates to various hotels, restaurants, and street-side food stalls across Surat. According to officials, such unusually low prices raised suspicions, prompting inspections that eventually exposed the malpractice. Officers revealed that the paneer did not comply with purity standards and displayed properties typically found in counterfeit or adulterated dairy products. This incident marks a significant action by local authorities, signaling a stricter approach towards food adulteration in Surat. Paneer is widely used in dishes served by hotels, caterers, and lari owners, and adulterated paneer directly impacts the health of thousands of consumers daily. With this case, officials clarified that no one involved in adulterating food products will be spared. The public is now being urged to remain alert and take precautions while buying paneer from local shops. Authorities also answered a key question: How should consumers check paneer quality while purchasing? Experts suggest that buyers should always ask the shopkeeper for a small sample. Real paneer has a soft, spongy texture, so pressing it gently can help evaluate its authenticity. If the paneer feels too hard or firm, it may indicate the presence of synthetic or inferior substitutes. Additionally, pure paneer is made only from milk and carries a mild dairy aroma. If consumers detect any odd smell or unusual flavor after tasting it, the product may be adulterated. Genuine paneer also does not stretch like rubber. Fake or adulterated paneer often shows elasticity due to the mixing of chemicals, starch, or cheap compounds. Earlier, there were multiple reports that Surat sees close to 200 kilograms of fake paneer being seized almost every day in various raids. The Surabhi Dairy case has further highlighted the scale of this problem. Both food safety officers and police officials are increasing surveillance in areas where dairy products are produced or distributed in bulk. Authorities are continuing the investigation to determine the sources of raw material used by the dairy, the supply chain, and whether more units are involved. More legal actions may follow depending on the findings. The administration has stated that strong enforcement will continue to protect the health and rights of consumers. This news is currently being updated as more details emerge.
Surat Cracks Down on Fake Paneer: Surabhi Dairy Owner Booked After Samples Fail Quality Test
