Strict Action Against Fake Dairy Products: Immediate Ban on Manufacturing and Sale of Analogue Cheese

In a significant step towards ensuring safe and quality food products for consumers, the state government has imposed an immediate ban on the manufacturing, processing, storage, transportation, distribution, and sale of analogue cheese and other dairy analogue products. The Department of Public Health and Family Welfare has issued a notification in this regard. The Food and Drug Administration, District Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi, has urged all food business operators, dairy product manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers in the district to strictly adhere to the government's directives. According to the Food and Drug Administration, this decision has been taken exercising the powers conferred under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Departmental tests, laboratory analysis, and risk assessment revealed that some products, despite not being made from real milk, were being presented as paneer, cream, butter, or other milk products. This posed a risk of confusing consumers and adversely affecting their health. The ban covers all such products in which vegetable fat, vegetable oil, or other non-dairy ingredients have been used in place of milk, or whose labeling, packaging, or display is such that they appear to be genuine dairy products. The government's aim is to protect consumers from misleading products and ensure transparency and quality in the food market. However, the department has clarified that products like frozen desserts, processed cheese, and mixed fat spreads, for which standards are prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and which are properly labeled, will not be covered under this ban. The Food and Drug Administration has stated that this ban will be effective from the date of publication of the notification in the Gazette for one year, or until final rules are issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, whichever is earlier. During this period, the department will also conduct inspections and monitoring to ensure effective implementation of the ban. The department has urged all dairy product manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers in the district to give utmost priority to consumer interest and fully comply with the government's directives. It has also warned that in case of manufacturing, storage, or sale of banned products, legal action will be taken under the relevant provisions. This decision by the government is a significant step towards further strengthening the food safety system and providing safe and quality food materials to the general public.