Amid the ongoing concerns over paneer adulteration, food safety inspections and reports exposing analogue paneer products are regularly making headlines in the news and on social media. Recently, reports emerged that the Central Food Safety Department had asked Tamil Nadu's Food Safety Department to submit Milky Mist paneer samples for laboratory testing. The company later clarified that it had not received any notice from FSSAI or the Tamil Nadu Food Safety Department directing an inquiry into its paneer products.

Amid these discussions, we tested Milky Mist paneer using three simple methods: the hot water test, vinegar test and heat test. During our checks, we did not observe any noticeable changes in the product's colour or smell that raised immediate concerns. However, these home-based tests cannot scientifically confirm the purity of paneer, which requires proper laboratory testing too.

In India's dairy market, growing brands like Milky Mist, based in Erode, Tamil Nadu, have introduced a diverse range of dairy products to meet changing consumer preferences. At a time when adulteration concerns are creating questions around paneer, product transparency and reliable information are important for helping consumers make informed choices.

Checking the FSSAI licence details, packaging information, manufacturing and expiry dates, and available QR codes can help consumers learn more about the products they purchase. Milky Mist provides product information on its packaging, giving customers details to check before buying.

The brand has also expanded its portfolio beyond traditional dairy products, with recent additions across ice creams, beverages and high-protein product lines. Its ice cream range features different flavours, including options developed for Indian consumer preferences, while its sugar-free ice creams have also attracted consumer interest.

As dairy brands continue to introduce new products, maintaining consumer trust through quality standards, transparency and responsible communication remains essential.

Three Simple Paneer Checks You Can Try at Home

1. Hot Water Test: Place a small piece of paneer in hot water for around five to ten minutes and observe any changes in its texture or appearance. Unexpected changes may raise questions, but this test alone cannot confirm whether the paneer is pure or adulterated.

2. Vinegar Test: Adding vinegar to paneer is sometimes suggested as a home-based check. However, the reaction depends on the paneer's composition and preparation method, so it cannot reliably distinguish genuine paneer from analogue products.

3. Heat Test: Heating a small piece of paneer may reveal changes in its texture, smell and appearance. However, these changes can vary depending on moisture, fat content and processing methods. Burning paneer with a matchstick is not a reliable purity test and should be avoided.

These methods can help people observe their food, but they cannot replace laboratory testing or establish the purity of a product.

Every credible dairy brand represents more than just a business. Behind the products on our tables are thousands of people, including milk-producing farmers, procurement teams, processing employees and others who contribute to bringing dairy products to consumers. Their efforts are an important part of the industry, and maintaining quality and transparency helps build lasting relationships with customers.

As consumers, we should make informed choices, check product details and seek reliable information whenever concerns arise. Brands also have a responsibility to communicate transparently and ensure that quality standards remain a priority. Ultimately, trust in dairy products comes from a combination of responsible production, credible testing, clear product information and informed consumer decisions.