Chandigarh, August 28: The Punjab Food and Drug Administration issued an immediate statewide ban on the manufacture, storage, and distribution of analogue paneer under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act to protect public health during the upcoming festive period. The Commissioner of Food Safety directed specialized task forces and district safety officers to conduct comprehensive inspections across dairy manufacturing plants, wholesale units, cold storage facilities, and transport networks.
The administrative action follows widespread findings that certain commercial operators were selling non-dairy alternatives formulated with vegetable fats and starches under the guise of traditional dairy paneer.
Food safety authorities maintained that the statewide prohibition aims to eliminate deceptive trade practices and ensure that consumers receive authentic food products.
Commercial kitchens, catering services, hotel operators, and roadside eateries have been mandated to maintain verifiable procurement documentation establishing the supply origin of all dairy inventory. Establishments found holding or serving synthetic paneer derivatives will face immediate statutory action under federal food safety guidelines.
Medical experts affirmed that non-dairy paneer alternatives often contain elevated levels of hydrogenated fats, palm oils, and added sodium, which pose heart health risks compared to natural dairy items.
Health professionals declared that vulnerable groups, including individuals managing hypertension or high cholesterol, should refrain from consuming ultra-processed dairy substitutes.
State inspection units have intensified field monitoring protocols to curb product mislabeling and prevent adulterated food items from entering local retail markets as seasonal demand peaks.
