Gujarat Bans Analogue Dairy Products to Protect Consumers

The government of Gujarat has implemented a statewide ban on the production, storage, transportation, distribution, and sale of analogue paneer, cheese, and butter. This decision aims to address public health concerns and protect consumers from misleading labelling. The ban was announced following food safety inspections and laboratory tests that revealed several products were being sold as dairy items despite not meeting prescribed standards.

Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya stated that restaurants, hotels, dairy parlours, supermarkets, caterers, and traders have been instructed not to manufacture, sell, or transport such products. Violations may result in legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Analogue dairy products, which often use vegetable oils and starches, are designed to mimic traditional dairy items like paneer, cheese, or butter. These products can mislead consumers and negatively impact dairy farmers and milk-based food manufacturers.

The state's Food Safety Department conducted extensive sampling and laboratory testing before recommending the ban. Investigators found instances of products failing to meet established standards yet being marketed as genuine dairy items. The government's goal is to ensure consumers receive safe, authentic, and high-quality food products.

Food business operators have been directed to use and sell only genuine dairy-based paneer and related products in accordance with regulatory norms.

This action by Gujarat follows similar measures by Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. Maharashtra recently prohibited the manufacture, storage, transport, distribution, and sale of analogue paneer and other artificial dairy substitutes. Violators face penalties, including imprisonment and fines under food safety laws.

Chhattisgarh was among the first states to impose restrictions on analogue paneer, amid growing concerns over food adulteration and misleading labelling. This crackdown is part of a broader regulatory push by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which has instructed manufacturers and food service establishments to clearly disclose the use of non-dairy substitutes to consumers.