Mumbai : In a major move aimed at safeguarding public health, the Maharashtra government has imposed a complete ban on the manufacture, sale, storage, transportation, distribution, and processing of analogue paneer (artificial or non-dairy cottage cheese) across the state. With this decision, Maharashtra becomes the second state in the country, after Chhattisgarh, to prohibit the product.
According to an order issued by Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on July 30, the ban has come into immediate effect. It covers the manufacture, processing, packing, storage, transportation, wholesale and retail sale, as well as the offering for sale of analogue or non-dairy cheese throughout the state.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has clarified that any individual or establishment selling analogue paneer while misrepresenting it as genuine dairy cheese will be deemed to have misled consumers and engaged in unfair trade practices under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Authorities have warned that strict legal action will be taken against violators.
Under the provisions of the Act, offenders may face imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh, depending on the nature and severity of the offence. In cases where the consumption of unsafe food results in death, the law provides for life imprisonment along with a minimum fine of Rs 10 lakh.
The issue had also been raised in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly last year, where several legislators demanded a complete ban on analogue paneer. The government’s latest decision is being viewed as a significant step towards protecting consumers from misleading food products and ensuring food safety.
Cottage cheese is a staple in Indian households and is valued for its taste, versatility, and high nutritional content. However, in recent years, analogue paneer has emerged as a low-cost alternative in the food industry. Unlike traditional paneer, analogue paneer replaces expensive milk fat and milk solids with vegetable oils, such as palm oil, and starches to replicate the appearance and texture of dairy paneer at a fraction of the cost.
Although analogue paneer closely resembles regular paneer and is often difficult to distinguish visually, it lacks several essential nutrients, including protein, calcium, and vitamins. Health experts have also expressed concerns about its potential adverse health effects, prompting growing debate over its quality, nutritional value, and authenticity.
