Maharashtra imposes statewide ban on analogue paneer

The Maharashtra government has imposed a one-year statewide ban on the manufacture, storage, and sale of analogue paneer, a nondairy product designed to resemble the traditional fresh cheese. The order, issued by Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on July 30 under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, prohibits all related activities including processing, packaging, transportation, and distribution. Violators face penalties of up to six months in jail and a fine of 1 lakh rupees, with life imprisonment and a minimum 10 lakh rupee fine possible if consumption of unsafe food leads to death.

Commissioner Mundhe announced the ban on August 5, stating that Maharashtra is the first state to take this step, though other reports indicate Chhattisgarh previously enacted a similar prohibition. The decision follows extensive inspections and a months-long crackdown on food adulteration. Officials said the action was necessary due to health concerns and widespread consumer deception, as analogue paneer is often sold without labeling as a nondairy substitute.

Authorities reported that laboratory testing of 308 paneer samples collected from the market found 38 to be unsafe, with a...