Amul, India’s dairy giant, has issued an official notice to debunk a rapidly spreading online rumor that its cheese contains “glass crystals.” The claim, which originated on social media platforms and was amplified by several unverified blogs, suggested that the product posed a health hazard due to the presence of sharp, glass‑like particles. In response, Amul’s corporate communications team released a detailed statement, backed by laboratory test results, asserting that no such contaminants exist in any of its cheese variants. This article examines the origins of the myth, the scientific facts about cheese composition, the company’s rebuttal, and the broader implications for consumer confidence.
Viral claim spreads across platforms
The rumor first surfaced on a popular video‑sharing app in early September, where a user claimed to have discovered “tiny glass shards” while slicing a block of Amul cheese. Within days, the video amassed thousands of views, and the story was reposted on messaging groups, forums, and even local news portals. The lack of a primary source and the sensational nature of the claim helped it gain traction, prompting many consumers to question the safety of a brand that supplies over 30 % of India’s dairy market.
Scientific perspective on cheese composition
Cheese is a coagulated dairy product formed through the action of rennet or acid on milk proteins. The resulting curd is pressed, salted, and aged, depending on the variety. No reputable cheese‑making process introduces inorganic particles such as glass. A brief overview of typical ingredients for Amul’s major cheese lines is shown below:
| Cheese type | Primary ingredients | Typical additives |
|---|---|---|
| Amul Cheddar | Pasteurized milk, cheese culture, rennet | Salt, natural color (annatto) |
| Amul Mozzarella | Pasteurized milk, starter culture, rennet | Salt, citric acid |
| Amul Processed Cheese | Milk solids, vegetable oil, emulsifiers | Salt, preservative (E202), flavorings |
All ingredients are food‑grade and subject to strict regulatory oversight by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Independent laboratory analyses routinely confirm the absence of foreign particles in Amul’s products.
Amul’s official response and legal notice
On September 22, Amul’s corporate affairs division posted a formal notice on its website, stating: “The viral claim of glass crystals in Amul cheese is false and baseless. Comprehensive tests conducted by accredited labs show zero presence of any inorganic material.” The notice also warned that continued dissemination of the misinformation could constitute defamation under Indian law, and the company reserves the right to pursue legal action against the originators.
Impact on consumer trust and market dynamics
While the rumor was short‑lived, it sparked a noticeable dip in online searches for Amul cheese, as reflected in Google Trends data for the week of September 20‑26. However, sales figures released by Amul’s parent cooperative for October indicated a rebound, with a 3 % increase in cheese volume compared to the previous month. The episode underscores the power of viral misinformation to affect brand perception, and highlights the necessity for rapid, transparent communication from corporations.
In summary, the “glass crystals” story was a classic case of digital rumor‑mongering that collided with a well‑prepared corporate response. Amul’s swift clarification, supported by scientific evidence and legal backing, helped restore consumer confidence and prevented lasting damage to its reputation.
Image by: Abhishek Mahajan
https://www.pexels.com/@abhishek-mahajan-2249012
