Maha FDA bans analog cheese, artificial paneer for one year after legislative push.
In a major regulatory crackdown on food adulteration, the Indian Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Maharashtra State, has imposed an immediate, state-wide ban on the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation, and sale of analogue or artificial (non-dairy) paneer for a period of one year.
The gazette notification published this week invokes powers under the the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The directive, issued under the leadership of FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, signals a major crackdown on adulterated dairy products in restaurants, hotels, and catering services. The decision comes after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Vikram Pachpute repeatedly raised the alarming proliferation of synthetic paneer in the State Legislative Assembly.
Responding to the developments, Pachpute welcomed the gazette notification, commending the FDA Commissioner for taking decisive regulatory action to safeguard public health and protect consumers from widespread food fraud.
"With the gazette notification now in effect, FDA inspection teams across Maharashtra have been tasked with conducting surprise raids on food businesses, suppliers, and catering outfits. Establishments caught stocking or serving analogue cheese as paneer will face severe penalties, confiscation of goods, and legal prosecution under the Food Safety and Standards Act," he said.
