newspop
Health Alert : Maharashtra Cracks Down on ‘Analogue Paneer’ Across Restaurants
Mumbai: In a major move aimed at protecting public health, the Maharashtra government has imposed a one-year ban on the production, sale and distribution of fake or “analogue” paneer across the state. The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA), headed by Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, issued a gazette notification on July 30, announcing strict restrictions following laboratory testing of paneer samples collected from different parts of the state.
According to the authorities, more than 35% of the tested samples were found to contain vegetable fat, raising serious concerns about the quality and authenticity of paneer being sold to consumers. Under the new order, hotels, restaurants, caterers and cloud kitchens across Maharashtra have been prohibited from manufacturing, using, storing, serving or selling such artificial paneer products.
Investigations reportedly found that some eateries were allegedly using cheaper analogue paneer instead of genuine milk-based paneer without informing customers or clearly mentioning it on their menus. The move is intended to prevent consumers from being misled and to ensure that food businesses follow established food-safety standards.
Genuine paneer manufacturers have also been directed to strictly comply with FSSAI packaging and labelling regulations, ensuring that consumers can clearly identify the products they are purchasing. Welcoming the decision, Abhay Pandey, president of the All India Food and Drug Licence Holders Foundation, said the issue of fake paneer had been under discussion for a long time and praised the FDA’s action under Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe.
Authorities have warned that businesses found violating the ban will face strict action under food-safety laws. Officials may seize and destroy non-compliant products, while offenders could also face heavy penalties and other legal action.
The crackdown comes amid growing concerns over adulterated and imitation food products and is being viewed as a significant step toward ensuring safer and more transparent food practices across Maharashtra.
