Zomato faces backlash over 'Analogue Paneer' predicament; what is it?

Zomato has attracted yet another controversy over selling "Analogue" paneer to restaurants on its B2B service, Hyperpure. The move by the food delivery firm has raised concerns around food safety and awareness as a post on it kicked up a storm on X (formerly Twitter).

"India loves paneer dishes and restaurants sell fake paneer made with vegetable oils without any disclaimer. They made you believe that you are eating healthy food by eating varieties of paneer dishes over junk food This is being sold on website of Zomato for restaurants," wrote X user Sumit Behal on sale of the "fake" paneer on Hyperpure website.

The Gurgaon-resident's post stirred up concerns among netizens that adulterated, synthetic, or "fake" paneer being sold by Zomato is a cause of health concerns and breaks customer trust. Though the product is clearly labelled "Analogue Paneer" on the Hyperpure website, one listing terms it as “made from Skimmed Milk and Vegetable Oil” and says, "“Milk fat is replaced with vegetable fat.”



"Disappointing to see this being a vegetarian. I'll stick to home food now," commented on X user on Behal's post; while another said, ""Analogue paneer" sounds so dystopian and disgusting. Looked up its meaning and yep, still disgusted." Meanwhile, a third X user commented on the over all poor performance by Zomato in different sections. "Zomato has so many places where their team lacks in checking eligibility for safer and cleaner restaurants and kitchens. One more zomato mischievous act found!! All they look for is sales and make public to buy over the customer centric campaigns they do," he wrote.

Restaurants use the synthetic paneer to raise profit margins as one kilogram of it cost half the price of real paneer. However, the former is considerably far less healthier and nutritional as compared to the latter as it is made using non-dairy products.

While traditional paneer is made from curdled milk, lemon, and/or vinegar; analogue paneer is produced using ingredients like vegetable oils and starches. The hydrogenated vegetable fats that the "fake" panner contain may also have trans fats that re harmful for cardiovascular health, as well as increase risks of heart disease, high cholesterol, and inflammation.