Gujarat’s food safety watchdog swung into action with a high-intensity campaign across the state, raiding over 2,500 food outlets to scrutinize paneer, cheese, and related items. Spanning April 4-9, the FDCA’s operation revealed widespread lapses, resulting in the disposal of 703 kg of unfit food materials and hefty penalties.
Teams inspected 2,527 hotels, dhabas, restaurants, and manufacturers, clamping down on improper labeling and quality issues. The drive yielded 270 violation notices, closure of 18 premises, and Rs 2,84,300 in fines. Lab-bound samples numbered 95, complemented by 679 on-the-spot tests via mobile vans at 659 sites.
Central to the effort was educating vendors on analog paneer—a legitimate non-dairy option that must not be passed off as genuine dairy product. Strict rules now require explicit mentions like ‘analog paneer’ on menus and boards, preventing consumer confusion.
As Prful Pansheriya noted, transparency is non-negotiable; violations will trigger fines and legal repercussions under FDCA regulations. This builds on recent mandates for clear product disclosure.
With momentum building, the FDCA plans to broaden the net to factories and sellers, fortifying the supply chain against unsafe practices and prioritizing eater safety in Gujarat’s vibrant food scene.
