Gujarat has enforced a statewide ban on the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of "unstandardised" analogue paneer, cheese, and butter, citing public health risks and the need to protect consumers and the dairy industry. This action follows findings that these products were made with vegetable oils and non-dairy components instead of milk, a practice deemed a threat to food safety and consumer trust. The ban aims to ensure only genuine, high-quality dairy products are available, aligning with food safety regulations and mirroring similar measures taken in Maharashtra. Non-compliance with this directive will result in stringent legal penalties, including potential jail time and financial sanctions, highlighting the state's commitment to upholding dairy product integrity.

Gujarat has enforced a statewide ban on the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of "unstandardised" analogue paneer, cheese, and butter, citing public health risks and the need to protect consumers and the dairy industry. This action follows findings that these products were made with vegetable oils and non-dairy components instead of milk, a practice deemed a threat to food safety and consumer trust. The ban aims to ensure only genuine, high-quality dairy products are available, aligning with food safety regulations and mirroring similar measures taken in Maharashtra. Non-compliance with this directive will result in stringent legal penalties, including potential jail time and financial sanctions, highlighting the state's commitment to upholding dairy product integrity.

Gujarat has enforced a statewide ban on the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of "unstandardised" analogue paneer, cheese, and butter, citing public health risks and the need to protect consumers and the dairy industry. This action follows findings that these products were made with vegetable oils and non-dairy components instead of milk, a practice deemed a threat to food safety and consumer trust. The ban aims to ensure only genuine, high-quality dairy products are available, aligning with food safety regulations and mirroring similar measures taken in Maharashtra. Non-compliance with this directive will result in stringent legal penalties, including potential jail time and financial sanctions, highlighting the state's commitment to upholding dairy product integrity.

The Gujarat government on Wednesday imposed a state-wide ban on the production, transportation and sale of "unstandardised" analogue paneer, cheese and butter, citing public health concerns and the need to protect consumers as well as the state's dairy sector.

The ban was announced by Gujarat Health Minister Praful Panheriya, who said the decision was taken to protect public health and to ensure that consumers are not misled by fake claims.

Laboratory tests run by the state’s Food and Drug Regulatory Authority found that the dairy products were manufactured with vegetable oils and other non-dairy ingredients instead of milk. This raised concerns about food safety and manipulation, leading to the blanket ban.

“An appeal is made to all producers, traders, hotels, restaurants, caterers, and food business operators of the state that they should produce, sell, and use only high-quality and genuine food items and fully comply with all food safety regulations”, Pansheriya posted on X.

A similar order was issued on July 30 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), banning analogue paneer in Maharashtra.

If an individual or establishment is found to be selling analogue paneer under the label of dairy, then it will be classified as an unfair trade practice under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Violation of the ban will lead to strict legal action. This can range from imprisonment for up to six months to a fine of up to ₹1 lakh.

Dairy products are usually made with natural milk, protein, lemon and vinegar. In the case of analogue versions, this natural butter and milk are replaced with vegetable fats, starches, water and artificial flavours. While they mimic the look and texture of the original products, they lack the nutritional content.

Analogue products are known to have adverse health effects. The high trans-fat levels can cause high levels of cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease and obesity. The presence of starch and emulsifiers can also cause bloating, gas and discomfort in the digestive system.

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