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Karnataka Bans Fake Paneer for One Year
23 Aug
Summary
- Karnataka FDA bans non-dairy paneer for one year statewide.
- The ban prohibits manufacture, sale, and use of analogue paneer.
- Government aims to prevent consumer deception regarding paneer.
The Karnataka Food Safety and Drugs Administration has enacted a comprehensive one-year ban across the state on analogue paneer. This prohibition, effective from August 17 and enacted under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, targets non-dairy products made with vegetable oils and other additives.
Officials emphasized that these items do not conform to the established definition of paneer, which must be made from milk. The ban strictly prohibits the manufacture, processing, storage, transportation, and sale of such products by any food business.
While tests on paneer samples in Karnataka revealed no adulteration, the ban serves as a crucial preventive step. It aims to ensure that consumers are not misled by products being presented as authentic paneer. The order specifically excludes other standardized dairy analogue products like frozen desserts and processed cheese.
The government acknowledged that the lack of specific quality standards for certain dairy analogue products complicates enforcement. Mandatory declarations for non-dairy ingredients are required under existing regulations. Karnataka is set to host a national meeting of food safety officials to discuss reforms.
