Gujarat bans unauthorised analogue dairy products across state

The Gujarat government on Thursday imposed a statewide ban on the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of unauthorised analogue dairy products, including paneer, cheese and butter, citing concerns over public health and consumer safety.
Announcing the decision, Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said the move aims to protect consumers from products made using non-dairy ingredients that resemble traditional dairy products. He stressed that the government would not allow any compromise with public health and warned of strict action against violators.The decision follows inspections and laboratory tests conducted by the state's Food and Drug Regulatory Authority, which found that some products marketed as paneer were being manufactured using vegetable oils and other non-dairy ingredients instead of milk. The government said such products can mislead consumers, undermine genuine dairy producers and pose food safety concerns.
Pansheriya urged food manufacturers, traders, hotels, restaurants, caterers and other food business operators to produce and sell only genuine, high-quality food products while complying with all food safety regulations.The state government said anyone found violating the ban would face stringent action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It added that enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the order across Gujarat.

(State Correspondent)