A strict directive has been issued by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) of Maharashtra to clamp down on the widespread use of cheese analogues in dishes marketed as paneer. Hotels, restaurants, caterers, and fast-food outlets across the state have been warned that if they are found using these substitutes without informing consumers, their licences will be suspended immediately.
The use of cheese analogues, which are plant-based, non-dairy alternatives to cheese, has been brought under scrutiny due to their frequent substitution for paneer in popular dishes. Although these substitutes are not illegal, the FDA has made it mandatory for food businesses to disclose their use clearly to consumers. Display boards, digital notices, or printed mentions on menus are to be used for this purpose.
An official order had been dispatched by FDA Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar, in which food safety officers were directed to carry out targeted inspection drives. A minimum of ten establishments in each jurisdiction is to be inspected by joint and assistant commissioners along with designated officers. The inspections are to include checks of purchase invoices to determine whether genuine paneer is being used in the kitchen. If violations are found, the immediate suspension of the food business operator's licence has been mandated.
The move was prompted by concerns that many establishments have been passing off cheese analogues as paneer, thereby misleading customers. The practice was called out as a violation of Section 18(2)(e) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, which ensures that consumers have the right to know the exact composition of the food they consume. The FDA emphasised that using substitutes without disclosure constitutes both misrepresentation and cheating.
In addition to enforcement measures, awareness initiatives have also been instructed. Workshops are to be organised by food safety officials to educate both business owners and consumers about the implications of using cheese analogues. Information regarding food labelling, transparency, and legal provisions under the Act is to be included in these sessions. All district officers have been asked to compile their inspection findings and submit a detailed report to the FDA headquarters by May 2. Through this campaign, the FDA aims to strengthen consumer rights, improve food safety standards, and restore transparency in the food service industry. By holding establishments accountable, stricter compliance with food labelling norms is expected to be achieved.
Analogue paneer is a plant-based substitute that look and taste similar to real paneer but is not made from milk. Instead, this is prepared using vegetable oils, starches, emulsifiers, and other food additives. These are often used by some eateries as a cheaper alternative to traditional dairy paneer. However, they do not provide the same nutritional benefits, such as protein and calcium, that real paneer offers.
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