Gandhinagar, April 9: A stringent campaign to inspect the quality and labeling of food products, including paneer, has been initiated across Gujarat. Over 2,500 food establishments were inspected, resulting in the destruction of more than 700 kilograms of food items.
The Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA) conducted a ‘Mega Special Drive’ from April 4 to April 9, focusing on the quality of paneer and cheese products in hotels, restaurants, dhabas, and other food outlets.
During this operation, a total of 2,527 establishments, including manufacturers and food service locations, were scrutinized. Authorities issued 270 notices for rule violations, while 18 establishments were sealed or shut down. Additionally, fines totaling ₹284,300 were collected, and 703 kilograms of spoiled food were destroyed.
As part of the investigation, 95 samples were sent for laboratory testing. The food safety van conducted inspections at 659 locations, testing 679 samples on-site.
Officials clarified that “analog paneer is not fake but an alternative to dairy paneer.” However, if it is misrepresented as real paneer, action will be taken. This campaign follows an FDCA directive mandating hotels and restaurants to clearly indicate whether the paneer served is made from milk or is an analog product.
All establishments have been instructed to display boards clarifying the nature of the paneer. Prabhul Pancheriya emphasized the importance of providing accurate information to customers, stating that misleading consumers could lead to penalties.
Under the new regulations, businesses cannot sell analog products solely under the name ‘paneer’; they must clearly label it as ‘analog’ or ‘vegetable fat paneer alternative.’
Officials noted that these actions are being taken under the FDCA Act, and non-compliance will result in fines and legal action. The inspection campaign will soon extend to manufacturing units and vendors to ensure compliance at both production and sales levels, safeguarding consumer interests.
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