Police raids across Hyderabad uncovered an alleged network of traders and retailers selling Cheese Analogue products as genuine paneer
June 19, 2026: Hyderabad Police have uncovered a major food adulteration and misbranding operation, seizing nearly 825 kilograms of suspected fake paneer during coordinated raids across the city. Special enforcement teams inspected 45 retail outlets and eight manufacturing units, exposing an alleged network involved in selling Cheese Analogue products as genuine paneer to consumers.
According to investigators, products made using vegetable fats and non-dairy ingredients were being repackaged and sold under labels such as “Paneer,” “Malai Paneer,” “Milk Paneer,” and “Fresh Paneer.” While manufacturers had reportedly labelled the products correctly, authorities alleged that traders and retailers altered packaging further down the supply chain to market them as authentic dairy paneer. Deputy Commissioner of Police Vaibhav Gaikwad Raghunath said traders sourced the products from multiple states before selling them as paneer in Hyderabad.
Officials also identified several food safety and regulatory violations during the raids. Authorities claimed some products contained starch, excessive water, non-milk fats and other questionable ingredients, while some businesses were operating without valid FSSAI licences. Investigators further reported unhygienic storage conditions and food items lacking manufacturing dates, batch numbers and expiry details. Food samples have been sent for laboratory testing, and officials said more inspections and enforcement actions are expected in the coming days.