The Gujarat government has imposed a statewide ban on the production, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of analogue paneer, cheese and butter, citing public health concerns and consumer protection.
The decision comes after food safety inspections and laboratory tests found several products being sold as dairy items despite not meeting prescribed standards.
Announcing the move, Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said restaurants, hotels, dairy parlours, supermarkets, caterers and traders across the state have been directed not to manufacture, sell or transport such products. Authorities have warned that violations could attract legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
