Karnataka bans analogue paneer for one year

The Karnataka Food Safety and Drugs Administration has banned the manufacture, storage, transportation and sale of analogue paneer, a non-dairy product made with vegetable oils and additives, for one year across the state. The order, issued on August 17 under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, states that such products do not meet the regulatory definition of paneer, which must be made from milk. The Times of India reports that tests on paneer samples in Karnataka found no adulteration, and officials described the prohibition as a preventive measure to stop non-dairy products being passed off as real paneer.

The ban does not cover separately standardised products such as frozen desserts, processed cheese and mixed-fat spreads. Livemint reports that the order applies only to dairy analogue products for which the FSSAI has not laid down specific quality standards. Food business operators have been directed not to use, stock or sell analogue paneer as an ingredient in any dish. The Bombay High Court recently denied relief to a Thane restaurant facing action from Maharashtra FDA over alleged serving of banned analogue paneer. Karnataka health minister U T Khader said a meeting of food safety officials from across the country will be held soon, and a report with reform recommendations will be submitted to the Centre.