The Uttarakhand government has imposed an immediate statewide ban on the manufacture, storage, transportation and sale of substandard and imitation dairy products.
The prohibition covers products marketed as paneer, ghee, butter and other dairy items that are not genuine milk products but could mislead consumers into believing that they are.
The order has been issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and came into effect immediately across the state. The action is aimed at ensuring the availability of safe, pure and quality food and protecting public health.
What Products Are Covered?
The ban targets imitation dairy products made using ingredients such as vegetable oils, starch and chemicals instead of pure milk.
Officials have specifically highlighted products that are sold or marketed as dairy items despite not meeting the requirements of genuine milk-based products.
The move is significant because dairy analogues can be used to mimic popular dairy products and may create confusion when they are presented or sold as conventional dairy products. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has also noted concerns around the misuse of dairy analogues, particularly in the hotel, restaurant and catering sector.
Where Else Is Analogue Paneer Banned?
Uttarakhand is among the states that have taken action against analogue or non-dairy paneer. Maharashtra has imposed a one-year ban on such products, while Chhattisgarh has also banned analogue paneer. Gujarat has also joined the crackdown, imposing a ban on non-dairy or analogue variants of paneer, cheese and butter.
These restrictions target imitation dairy products made with non-milk ingredients and sold or passed off as genuine dairy products; regular milk-based paneer is not banned.
Statewide Inspection Drive To Follow
Following the ban, the Food Safety Department will launch a statewide inspection drive. Officials will inspect dairy units, warehouses, wholesale and retail markets, hotels, restaurants and sweet shops as part of the exercise.
Suspected products will be collected and sent for laboratory testing to determine whether they meet food safety and quality requirements.
Violators Face Legal Action
Officials said those found violating the order will face prosecution under the Food Safety and Standards Act. Enforcement action may include seizure of products and cancellation of licences, depending on the violations found.
The government has said the move follows directions from the Chief Minister to ensure that consumers have access to safe, pure and quality food.
Why The Ban Matters
The order is aimed not simply at products that fail to meet dairy standards, but also at products that may mislead consumers by being marketed as paneer, ghee, butter or other dairy products despite being imitation or substandard products.