Key Points
1,401 kg of suspected fake paneer seized in Surat
Raid conducted on March 5, 2026 in Pandesara
Mahesh Kumar Sharma arrested
Paneer allegedly made using palm oil and acidic chemicals instead of milk
Accused reportedly produced around 400 kg daily for two years
Fake paneer supplied to local dairies across Surat
Goods worth ₹28.44 lakh seized, including machinery
Samples sent for laboratory testing to check health risks
Authorities in Surat seized 1,401 kilograms of suspected fake paneer during a joint operation carried out by the Surat Special Operations Group (SOG) and the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) Food Safety Department on March 5, 2026. The raid took place in the Pandesara area of Surat, Gujarat, where officials uncovered a racket allegedly manufacturing counterfeit paneer using palm oil and chemicals.
Police arrested Mahesh Kumar Sharma, who is accused of producing and distributing the adulterated paneer in the local market.
Authorities estimate that the seized paneer alone is worth approximately ₹3.08 lakh. In total, officials confiscated goods valued at around ₹28.44 lakh, including raw materials and machinery used in the illegal operation.
According to investigators, the accused allegedly manufactured what officials described as analog paneer using palm oil and acidic chemicals instead of milk. These ingredients were used to create a texture similar to real paneer, allowing the product to resemble the popular dairy item.
Authorities recovered 16 cans of palm oil during the raid, along with high tech machinery used to produce the counterfeit paneer, which alone was valued at about ₹25 lakh.
Officials suspect that the accused had been running the operation for around two years. During this period, he allegedly produced approximately 400 kilograms of fake paneer daily.
Investigators said the counterfeit paneer was reportedly sold at cheaper rates to various dairies across Surat, making it easier to circulate the product in the market. From these dairies, the paneer allegedly reached consumers, raising concerns about potential public health risks.
Authorities believe the lower price of the product helped it move through the supply chain despite being produced without milk.
Food safety officials have sent samples of the seized paneer for laboratory testing to determine whether it poses a health risk.
Officials said stricter legal action will follow if laboratory reports confirm the product is harmful to human health. The accused could face charges under relevant food safety and legal provisions depending on the findings of the investigation.
Authorities are continuing their probe to determine the full scale of the distribution network and whether others were involved in the operation.
(Rh/ARC)
