Post Gauri Khan fake paneer controversy, YouTuber Gaurav Taneja posts a video claiming, '99 percent of fake paneer passes iodine test’

A recent controversy surrounding Gauri Khan's Mumbai restaurant, Torii, has grabbed attention after an influencer accused it of serving fake paneer. While the restaurant swiftly denied the allegations, the video that sparked the debate—featuring influencer Sarthak Sachdeva testing paneer at various celebrity eateries—gained significant traction before being taken down.
Gaurav Taneja Weighs In: Iodine Test is Misleading
In the midst of the backlash, YouTuber and dairy company co-founder Gaurav Taneja has weighed in, claiming that the iodine test used to detect fake paneer is not a reliable method.
Gaurav explained that the iodine test is not an accurate method for determining the purity of paneer, as most fake paneer can pass it. This is because the test only detects starch, not the overall authenticity of the product. He pointed out that many influencers use iodine for testing, but emphasized that it doesn't reveal the true composition of paneer. With his experience in the dairy industry, Taneja clarified that this is not the proper way to assess paneer quality. He also highlighted that paneer is one of the most adulterated products in the market, according to recent reports.

He further explained how the process of making fake paneer starts with separating the fat from milk to produce cream and ghee. The leftover milk, now devoid of fat, is reintroduced with vegetable or palm oil to restore the fat content. This altered milk, used to make paneer, contains no starch since the fat added is from oils, not natural milk fat. He emphasized that no matter how much iodine is used to test the paneer, it won't react, as there is no starch in the milk. He left it to the viewers to consider the quality of paneer being sold in the market.
Sarthak Sachdeva’s original video, which tested the paneer at Gauri's restaurant Torii, prompted a response from the restaurant. They clarified that the iodine test detects starch, not the authenticity of the paneer, and explained that their dish includes soy-based ingredients, which could cause the reaction. Torii stood by the quality of their paneer and ingredients. In response, Sarthak humorously commented, asking if he was now banned from the restaurant and complimented their food, saying, “BTW, your food is amazing.”

Sarthak's original video drew a response from Gauri’s restaurant, Torii. The restaurant clarified that the iodine test detects starch, not the authenticity of paneer, and explained that their dish contains soy-based ingredients, which could cause the reaction. They reassured customers about the purity of their paneer and the quality of their ingredients. In a lighthearted reply, Sarthak humorously asked if he was banned from the restaurant, adding, “BTW your food is amazing.”
Torii Responds: Clarification on Iodine Test and Ingredients
In response to the "fake paneer" claims, Torii restaurant released an official statement expressing their surprise. They clarified that the iodine test only detects starch, not the authenticity of paneer, and that soy-based ingredients in their dishes naturally cause this reaction. The restaurant assured customers that quality checks are implemented throughout the sourcing and preparation process, reaffirming their commitment to serving high-quality food.
Support for Gauri Khan: Celebrity Chef and Nutritionist Defend the Restaurant
Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna came to Gauri's defense on social media, criticizing the misinformation surrounding the "fake paneer" claims. He pointed out that, with decades of experience in the culinary field, he had never encountered such misleading information. Khanna explained that iodine reacts with ingredients like potatoes, rice, bread, and cornflour, and that cross-contamination could lead to this reaction. He expressed concern about unqualified individuals being taken seriously in matters of food science.

In response to the controversy, dietician and nutritionist Deepta Nagpal took to X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that science experiments are not a substitute for proper food audits. She clarified that the iodine test detects starch, not fake paneer, and that a color change doesn’t always indicate that the food is inedible or unauthentic. Nagpal pointed out that paneer dishes might contain added starch for texture or from coatings, stressing that food safety requires more than just viral videos and incomplete tests.