Telangana bans analogue paneer for a year over public health concerns

Telangana has prohibited the manufacture, processing, packing, storage, distribution and sale of non-dairy, artificial or analogue paneer across the State for one year, with the restriction taking immediate effect.

The order was issued on Friday, September 11, by the Commissioner of Food Safety under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The notification states that the action was taken in the interest of public health.

The prohibition applies to analogue or non-dairy paneer in any form, including products manufactured, stored, distributed or sold as "Paneer" or otherwise. According to a press note from the Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE), the gazette notification makes clear that the restriction covers non-dairy, artificial and analogue paneer in every form.

The decision follows inspections by Telangana food safety authorities in Hyderabad, during which palm oil and glycerol monostearate were found at dairy units allegedly manufacturing analogue paneer.

The government has specified an exemption: the ban does not extend to a food product that is specifically standardised under regulations made under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and is lawfully manufactured and marketed under its prescribed name and conditions.

Anyone contravening the order will be liable for action under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules and regulations made under it.