Paneer Panic: Can You Trust Food Tests Going Viral Online?

​In March 2025, food vlogger Apple Tiwari conducted an "iodine tincture" test on paneer dishes from popular fast-food chains, including Domino's, McDonald's, and Burger King. Her tests suggested the presence of starch, leading her to claim that these outlets were using adulterated paneer. This sparked widespread concern among consumers regarding the quality of paneer used in fast food. ​The Indian Express

Understanding the Iodine Tincture Test

The iodine tincture test is a common method to detect starch adulteration in raw paneer. When iodine is applied to a substance containing starch, it turns blue-black. However, this test is most effective on unprocessed, raw paneer. In the case of fast-food items, paneer is often marinated, coated, and fried, which can introduce starch from batters or breading. Therefore, applying the iodine test to cooked paneer dishes may yield misleading results. ​

Responses from Fast-Food Chains

Following the viral video, McDonald's issued a statement refuting the claims:​

"We strongly refute any false claims regarding the quality of our paneer. The paneer used in our products is 100% dairy-based and made of real milk, sourced from FSSAI-licensed, globally recognized, and approved suppliers who adhere to the highest food quality and safety standards." ​The Indian Express

Domino's also responded, emphasizing that their paneer is "100% dairy-based." They clarified that the iodine test, when performed on paneer that has come into contact with starch-containing ingredients, such as dough or batter, can produce a blue-black coloration, which is not indicative of adulteration in this context. ​The Indian Express

The Importance of Accurate Food Testing

This incident underscores the necessity for accurate and context-appropriate food testing methods. Misapplied tests can lead to misinformation, causing unnecessary panic among consumers. It's crucial to understand the limitations and proper applications of food adulteration tests to ensure reliable results.​

Empowering Consumers with ChoosePure

At ChoosePure, we recognize the challenges consumers face in determining the purity of their food. Our mission is to provide transparent, lab-verified reports on everyday food items, empowering you to make informed choices for your family's health.​

Take Action Today

Don't leave your family's health to uncertainty. Join the ChoosePure community and gain access to trustworthy food quality assessments. Together, we can advocate for higher standards and ensure the purity of our food supply.​

Sign Up Now

Your family's well-being starts with informed choices.

📣 Found this helpful? Share it with fellow parents and friends who care about food safety.

Let’s build a safer food future—together.