Karnataka prohibits manufacture, sale of analogue paneer for a year.

Karnataka government has prohibited the manufacture, sale, and distribution of analogue or non-dairy paneer for one year. The move is a precautionary public health measure, as these products replace milk fat with vegetable oil, which is not permitted.

The Government of Karnataka has prohibited the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of Analogue / Non-Dairy Paneer being sold under the name "Paneer" across the state for a period of one year, in a major move to safeguard public health and protect consumer interests.

Legal Basis for the Ban

The Food Safety Division of the Department of Food Safety and Drug Administration of Karnataka has issued a notification in this regard. A press note issued by the Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration stated that the notification will remain in force throughout Karnataka for one year from the date of its issuance. The order has been issued under Sections 30(2)(a), 18 and 29 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

As per the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, Paneer is a standardised food product prepared from milk. The department noted that milk fat is a key constituent of Paneer, and replacement of milk fat with vegetable oil, vegetable fat or other non-dairy ingredients in place of milk components is not permitted.

Scope of the Prohibition

The department clarified that although Karnataka has tested several paneer samples and found no adulteration with vegetable oil, vegetable fat or other dairy ingredients, the prohibition is being done as a precautionary measure in the interest of public health to ensure such products are not used, stored, supplied, sold or transported.

As per the notification, a product prepared in the form of Paneer by wholly or partially replacing milk fat or milk solids with vegetable oil, vegetable fat or other non-dairy ingredients is considered as Analogue / Non-Dairy Paneer. Such a product shall not be labelled, marketed, sold or represented to consumers as "Paneer". The department also clarified that this prohibition applies only to dairy analogue products for which specific quality standards have not been prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The order will not apply to standardised food products such as Frozen Dessert, Processed Cheese and Mixed Fat Spread, which are already covered under separate prescribed standards.

Directives for Food Businesses

Further, no Food Business Operator shall use, store, supply or sell Analogue / Non-Dairy Paneer in the preparation or manufacture of any food product or food item.

Enforcement and Compliance

The Department of Food Safety and Drug Administration said it will take necessary measures across the state for effective implementation and enforcement of the order and has advised the public and all Food Business Operators to strictly comply with the provisions. (ANI)

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