Zomato Under Fire for Distributing ‘Analogue Paneer’ to Restaurants
Zomato is currently under fire for offering what is being labeled as “fake paneer” to restaurants through its B2B service, Zomato Hyperpure. The product, advertised on the Zomato Hyperpure website as “Analogue Paneer,” is marketed by the manufacturer as suitable for tikka and gravy paneer dishes. This labeling has sparked significant concerns about food safety and transparency.
The controversy began when X user Sumit Behal voiced his concerns on social media, pointing out that many restaurants do not disclose to customers that they are using imitation cheese in their dishes. “India loves paneer dishes, and restaurants sell fake paneer made with vegetable oils without any disclaimer. They make you believe that you are eating healthy food by eating varieties of paneer dishes over junk food,” Behal stated. The Gurgaon resident’s post quickly went viral, igniting a backlash against Zomato Hyperpure for allegedly facilitating food adulteration.
Analogue paneer, often referred to as fake or synthetic paneer, is a substitute for traditional paneer, made from cheaper, non-dairy ingredients. Traditional paneer is derived from fresh milk curdled with lemon juice or vinegar, resulting in a pure dairy product. In contrast, analogue paneer is typically made from vegetable fats, starches, and other non-dairy components. One listing on Zomato Hyperpure describes analogue paneer as being “made from skimmed milk and vegetable oil,” with the “milk fat replaced by vegetable fat.”
The primary reason restaurants opt for analogue paneer is its cost-effectiveness. On Zomato Hyperpure, 1 kg of analogue paneer is priced around ₹210, while authentic paneer typically retails for approximately ₹450 per kg. This substantial price difference allows restaurants to increase their profit margins, particularly when they do not disclose the use of imitation paneer to their customers. This practice has raised ethical concerns about transparency and honesty in the food industry.
The use of analogue paneer in place of traditional paneer not only raises ethical questions but also health concerns. Paneer is a popular choice among vegetarians for its protein content and other nutritional benefits. However, the nutritional quality of fake paneer is dubious. Many versions of analogue paneer contain hydrogenated vegetable fats, which are often high in trans fats. Trans fats are known to be harmful to cardiovascular health, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease, elevated cholesterol levels, and inflammation.
The backlash against Zomato Hyperpure has been swift and fierce. Many consumers feel deceived upon learning that the paneer in their favorite dishes may not be genuine. This sense of betrayal is compounded by the health risks associated with consuming imitation products without proper disclosure.
In response to the outcry, Zomato Hyperpure has yet to make a comprehensive public statement addressing the concerns. However, the controversy highlights a broader issue within the food industry regarding transparency and the use of synthetic substitutes in place of traditional ingredients. As consumers become more health-conscious and discerning about their food choices, the demand for honesty and integrity in food labeling becomes paramount.
The ethical implications of using analogue paneer in restaurants are significant. When restaurants serve dishes made with imitation paneer without informing their customers, they compromise the trust that is fundamental to the customer-provider relationship. This practice not only misleads consumers but also undermines the perceived quality and authenticity of the food served.
Furthermore, the issue underscores the need for stricter regulations and enforcement regarding food labeling and transparency. Consumers have the right to know what they are eating and to make informed choices based on accurate information. The sale of analogue paneer without proper disclosure is a breach of this right and points to a gap in regulatory oversight that needs to be addressed.
The controversy surrounding Zomato Hyperpure and analogue paneer serves as a wake-up call for the food industry. It highlights the importance of transparency, ethical practices, and consumer rights. Moving forward, it is crucial for food service providers and platforms like Zomato to ensure that all products sold are accurately labeled and that any use of substitutes or synthetic ingredients is clearly disclosed to consumers.
For consumers, this incident is a reminder to remain vigilant about the food they consume and to demand greater transparency from food providers. Only through collective awareness and action can such practices be curbed and consumer trust restored.
In conclusion, the backlash against Zomato Hyperpure for selling analogue paneer to restaurants underscores the need for greater transparency and ethical practices in the food industry. The health risks associated with imitation paneer and the ethical implications of misleading consumers highlight the urgency for stricter regulations and consumer vigilance. As the controversy continues to unfold, it serves as a critical reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity in food production and sales.