Is Your “Paneer” Safe? The Shocking Truth about Toxic Additives

 

Many Indian households love Paneer and use it in multiple dishes because of its soft, creamy texture & protein-rich. But did you know that the Paneer you consume contains food additives that increase the risk of cancer? Shocking, isn’t it? Now let us unveil the secret behind mass-produced Paneer and how you can get reliable processed Paneer without worrying about your health.

What makes Paneer dangerous?

The rise in dairy demand allows manufacturers to take shortcuts and add synthetic chemical preservatives as well as whiteners to make the product last longer. These additives are known to cause cancer and severe harm to health.

Top 4 Additives in Paneer that Cause Cancer & Other Illnesses

1. Formalin (Formaldehyde) - The Silent Killer

Formalin is a chemical aimed at preventing decay; it is heavily used in mortuaries to store dead bodies. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has identified Formalin as a type one carcinogen. As painful as it sounds, the long-term effects of consuming Paneer laced with Formalin are even more painful, as they can result in leading diseases such as cancer.

2. Starch - Some cheap filler that could kill you

In some cases, manufacturers also add starch to increase the weight of Paneer so that it looks fresh and firm. Starch by itself isn’t harmful, but adulterated starch or chemically treated starch can lead to digestive problems and insulin resistance and may even increase the risk of cancer.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide - An Extremely Dangerous Bleaching Agent

To make Paneer appear whiter and more appealing, some producers utilise Hydrogen Peroxide, a bleaching agent that is not safe for human consumption. Studies have found that long-term exposure to Hydrogen Peroxide is linked to stomach and intestinal cancers.

4. Synthetic Milk—A Mixed Tale of Toxins

In India, adulterated milk is a serious issue. To increase the volume of milk, many local dairy vendors mix detergents and urea along with synthetic chemicals. These chemicals thus remain in the product and create serious health hazards when Paneer is made from synthetic milk.

How Can One Easily Detect Adulterated Paneer?

1. Water Test:

Place a small piece of Paneer in a glass of warm water. If the water becomes murky or milky, it indicates starch.

2. Smell Test:

Paneer has to have a pleasant, enticing smell of milk.

 If the smell of paneer is extreme and super strong, it suggests that it has been seasoned with formalin and preservatives.

3. Iodine Test:

Stick a few drops of Iodine solution into the Paneer.

If it changes to blue or black, then starch is confirmed to be present.

How to do this Safely and Effectively -

1. Buy Local Farm Fresh Paneer

Look for labels that say organic or farm-fresh Paneer that is not processed with synthetic chemicals. Look for trusted certifications on the packaging.

2. Prepare Paneer at your Home

Use pasteurised milk to prepare pure Paneer at home. Bring milk to a boil, then squeeze lemon juice or vinegar into it. Pour the mixture through a strainer to get fresh Paneer.

3. Buy them from Trusted Vendors

Help local milk providers and well-known firm brands that focus on ethical milk selling regarding preservatives.

4. Ensure to Cross Check the Labels

When buying store-bought frozen Paneer, be sure to check the ingredients. Don't buy products that have too many unfamiliar chemical names or any kind of stabilizers or preservatives.

In Conclusion-

Your lifestyle is in your control - be sure to take care of it!

Using rides on safer choices, making background checks on the vendors you buy from, and having more focus on dairy hygiene laws, you could greatly enhance your quality of life. Cut down on the unhealthy consumerism and help educate those around you.

So, how did your test on the Paneer go? Have you made assumptions about its adulteration? Make sure to comment below so we can work together towards a healthier future.