Report

Zomato is being criticized for supplying ‘fake paneer’ to restaurants through its B2B service, Zomato Hyperpure. Although the Zomato Hyperpure website labels the product as “Analogue Paneer,” the manufacturer promotes it as suitable for tikka and gravy recipes, raising concerns about its safety for consumption.

The issue gained attention when X user Sumit Behal shared his concerns on social media. He warned that Zomato supplies restaurants with fake paneer, which they fail to disclose when serving dishes made with it.

In India, many restaurants sell fake paneers made from vegetable oils without disclaimers, despite the country’s love for paneer dishes. Behal pointed out on X that these establishments mislead customers into believing they are eating healthily by offering various paneer dishes instead of junk food. He noted that this product is available on Zomato’s restaurant website.

His post prompted a backlash against Zomato Hyperpure for promoting food contamination.

What is Analogue Paneer?

Analogue paneer, also known as imitation or artificial paneer, serves as a cheaper alternative to authentic paneer. Unlike traditional paneer, which is made from fresh milk curdled with lemon juice or vinegar, imitation paneer typically includes vegetable fats, starches, and other non-dairy ingredients.

One Zomato Hyperpure listing describes analogue paneer as made from skimmed milk and vegetable oil, with its milk fat replaced by vegetable fat.

Why Restaurants Use Traditional Paneer?

The primary reason is cost. Analogue paneer on Zomato Hyperpure costs approximately ₹210 per kilogram, while authentic paneer is priced around ₹450. This price difference allows restaurants to increase profits by keeping their use of analogue paneer a secret.

Health Risks of Analogue Paneer

Many people, especially vegetarians, consume paneer for its high protein content. However, concerns about the nutritional value of fake paneer have emerged. Many analogue paneer products contain hydrogenated vegetable oils, which may include trans fats. These can adversely affect cardiovascular health, increasing the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, and inflammation.

Source: Hindustan Times