Serious food safety concerns have emerged after a major inspection at a McDonald’s outlet in Jaipur, where authorities discovered alarming irregularities, including fake paneer and reused cooking oil.
According to nutrition expert Dr. Archita Mahajan, the increasing use of low-quality ingredients by some food businesses can pose serious health risks, including a higher chance of cancer. She warned that consuming food cooked in degraded oil or made with adulterated ingredients can be harmful to the human body.
During the raid conducted by the food safety department, officials seized nearly 650 kilograms of suspected fake paneer mixed with starch. Additionally, more than 40 liters of repeatedly used cooking oil were found, which had turned dark and unsafe for consumption. Tests revealed that the Total Polar Compounds (TPC) level in the oil ranged between 28% and 31%, exceeding the permissible limit of 25%.
Authorities also found spoiled tomatoes stored on-site, raising further concerns about hygiene and food quality. The contaminated paneer and vegetables were immediately destroyed, and samples have been sent for laboratory testing.
The food safety department has issued a notice to the McDonald’s outlet, giving them 14 days to comply with safety standards. Officials also inspected another food outlet in the same area during the operation.
Experts warn that repeatedly heated oil and adulterated food products can increase the risk of chronic illnesses. Consumers are advised to remain cautious about food quality, especially when consuming fast food from popular chains.
