Gujarat Bans Non-Standard Analogue Paneer, Cheese and Butter

AI FEED

Gujarat has imposed a statewide ban on non-standard analogue paneer, cheese and butter.
The decision follows laboratory testing that detected products resembling paneer but made using non-dairy ingredients.
Violators will face action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Gandhinagar: Gujarat government on Wednesday announced a statewide ban on the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of non-standard analogue paneer, cheese and butter, citing concerns over consumer deception, food safety and the protection of the state’s dairy sector.

The decision was announced by Health Minister Praful Pansheriya, who said the action was taken under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, following inspections and laboratory testing conducted by the state’s Food and Drug Regulatory Authority.

Gujarat Paneer Ban Aims to Protect Consumers

According to the state government, food safety officials found products resembling paneer that were manufactured using vegetable oil and other non-dairy ingredients, but were allegedly being sold as genuine dairy products.

Pansheriya said such practices mislead consumers, undermine confidence in dairy products and adversely affect millions of milk-producing farmers in Gujarat.

He stated that consumers purchasing paneer expect products made from pure milk, not substitutes manufactured from non-dairy ingredients.

Strict Action Against Violators

The minister said any manufacturer, trader or food business operator found violating the ban will face strict legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The government has appealed to:

Manufacturers
Traders
Hotels
Restaurants
Caterers
Other food business operators

to sell and use only standard-compliant dairy products.

Gujarat Continues Crackdown on Analogue Dairy Products

The latest order builds on Gujarat’s earlier measures against analogue dairy products.

Previously, the state directed restaurants and food service establishments to clearly disclose the use of cheese analogues on menus or display boards and prohibited manufacturers from marketing cheese analogue products as paneer.

Authorities also intensified enforcement by seizing and destroying more than 1,000 kilograms of suspected analogue paneer during inspections and warning businesses against misrepresenting non-dairy products.