Overview
- The state government announced the ban on analogue paneer on Wednesday, saying the measure will discourage non-dairy substitutes and promote naturally produced milk products.
- Food safety teams have begun enforcement actions with district inspections and seizures, including about 450 kg taken from a dairy unit in Indore.
- Officials say a formal ban order will be issued soon and that seized product will be destroyed while legal action will follow against manufacturers and sellers who continue production or sale.
- Authorities cited persistent non-compliance with FSSAI labelling guidance and health risks from vegetable fats, starches and other non-dairy ingredients used in analogue paneer as the main reasons for the ban.
- Madhya Pradesh joins Maharashtra, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh in restricting analogue paneer, a lower-cost product widely used by hotels and caterers that state officials say risks the state becoming a dumping ground for banned supplies.