In recent days, there have seen a series of alarming incidents in India that have brought the dangers of adulterated food which have triggered discussions on food safety and consumer awareness. In Uttar
Pradesh’s Barabanki, the Food Safety Department conducted a major crackdown where officials seized 6,000 litres of suspected adulterated mustard oil and over 400 litres of expired oil.
The brand involved, Gopichand Sarson Tel, was held for failing basic quality checks and the expired oil was immediately removed from circulation to prevent public sale, Dainik Bhaskar reported. The estimated value of the seized oil was around Rs 16 lakh while the expired stock was worth over Rs 30,000.
Meanwhile, in Bengaluru, a study by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has found that 6 per cent of vegetable samples have lead contamination above permissible limits. The dangers turned fatal in Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh, where four people died after allegedly consuming adulterated milk from a local vendor. Victims showed symptoms such as anuria (inability to pass urine) and acute kidney complications. According to reports, the vendor has been arrested. Food safety teams have reportedly sent milk and blood samples for laboratory analysis.
Public Outrage Over Adulterated Food
The recent spate of food adulteration incidents has sparked widespread discussion on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter) where users expressed frustration and distrust over what they consume.
One user commented, “Criminals now know they can get away easily. From politicians to food, everything is adulterated.”
Criminals now know they can get away easily. From politicians to food, everything is adulterated. pic.twitter.com/jVUGifztnn
— Rants&Roasts (@Sydusm) February 24, 2026
Another user wrote, “Milk and milk products are among the most adulterated foods in India. From milk to paneer to sweets… food fraud is rampant, and enforcement is painfully weak across the country. Be careful about what you consume.”
Milk and milk products are among the most adulterated foods in India.
From milk to paneer to sweets… food fraud is rampant, and enforcement is painfully weak across the country.
Be careful about what you consume. pic.twitter.com/O208BQwYd8
— Manas Muduli (@manas_muduli) February 24, 2026
“I have started making paneer at home for months now. You can’t trust any packaged food source. Bengaluru finds lead in vegetables. Air and water are toxic. Infrastructure is crumbling and killing people. But hey, who cares as long as we have 10-min apps and religious bigotry,” someone else shared.
I have started making paneer at home for months now. You can't trust any packaged food source. Bengaluru finds lead in vegetables. Air and water is toxic. Infrastructure is crumbling and killing people. But hey, who cares as long as we have 10-min apps and religious bigotry https://t.co/pjZb91UiKL pic.twitter.com/WeJx0EOV0d
— Rituparna Chatterjee (@MasalaBai) February 24, 2026
Even political circles are noticing the issue. During the Uttar Pradesh Assembly budget session, Samarpal Singh of the Samajwadi Party shared a story about fake paneer while discussing pesticide use. He recounted how a BJP MLA refused to eat paneer at a hotel as he claimed it was fake. The MLA reportedly argued that stopping fake paneer could drive milk prices to Rs 150 per kg.
Reacting to the same, a lawyer claimed that even real paneer isn’t always ideal according to Ayurveda.
“Forget #fakepaneer even REAL paneer isn’t recommended by #Ayurveda. Occasional consumption for taste is okay, but the current protein obsession is making paneer a daily staple,” she wrote. According to her:
“Ayurveda details qualities of milk, chhach, ghee and dahi, many times. But paneer is considered curdled milk.
Paneer is “guru or heavy”, difficult to digest, can cause bloating, gas, increases “Kapha and Pitta.”
Before latching on a food trend, consult Ayurveda texts, find out your own body type and also consult a Vaidya.”
Forget #fakepaneer even REAL paneer isn't recommended by #Ayurveda
What Happens When Adulterated Food Is Consumed
The effects of adulterated food can be immediate and severe or long-term and chronic:
Immediate (Short-Term) Effects:
Upset Stomach & Digestive Trouble: Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, cramps and nausea.
Acute Poisoning: Chemicals or harmful dyes can trigger rapid toxicity and severe organ stress.
Allergic Reactions: Contaminants may provoke rashes, swelling or intense allergic episodes.
Breathing Problems: Certain adulterants can irritate the respiratory system that cause difficulty in breathing.
Long-Term (Chronic) Effects:
Liver & Kidney Damage: Heavy metals like lead in spices accumulate over time which can lead to liver and kidney failure.
Increased Cancer Risk: Persistent exposure to toxic dyes and chemicals Metanil yellow or Malachite green can be carcinogenic.
Heart & Circulatory Issues: Adulterated oils and fats may raise bad cholesterol which increases the risk of heart attacks.
Brain & Nervous System Impact: Long-term exposure can brain damage, paralysis, and developmental issues, particularly in children.
Growth & Hormonal Problems: Chronic intake may lead to developmental delays, hormonal imbalances and weakened immunity.
