06 August,2026 11:09 AM IST | Gandhinagar | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image. Pic/Pixabay
The Gujarat government has imposed a statewide ban on the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of unauthorised analogue paneer, cheese and butter, citing concerns over public health and consumer protection. The ban came into effect on Thursday, with the state warning of strict action against violators under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The decision follows inspections and laboratory testing by the Gujarat Food and Drug Regulatory Authority, which found that products resembling dairy items were being manufactured using vegetable oils and other non-dairy ingredients instead of milk.
Announcing the decision, Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said the state government would not compromise on public health and had decided to prohibit the production and distribution of unauthorised analogue dairy products across Gujarat.
According to the government, these products are marketed in a way that can mislead consumers into believing they are purchasing genuine dairy products. Officials also said the practice adversely affects legitimate dairy producers and raises concerns regarding food quality and safety.
The ban applies to the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of unauthorised analogue paneer, cheese and butter throughout the state.
The government's decision was based on findings from sampling and laboratory analysis carried out by the Gujarat Food and Drug Regulatory Authority.
Officials said the investigation revealed that certain products marketed as paneer and other dairy items were being produced using vegetable oils and other non-dairy ingredients instead of milk. The state believes such products can mislead consumers and undermine confidence in genuine dairy products.
Authorities said the move is intended to strengthen food safety standards while ensuring transparency in the sale and labelling of dairy products.
A day before the ban came into force, Pansheriya appealed to producers, traders and food business operators across the state to strictly comply with food safety regulations and sell only genuine food products.
In a post on X, the minister said, "An appeal is made to all producers, traders, hotels, restaurants, caterers, and food business operators of the state that they should produce, sell, and use only high-quality and genuine food items and fully comply with all food safety regulations."
The appeal was directed at manufacturers, traders, hotels, restaurants, caterers and other food business operators involved in the production, sale or use of dairy products.
The Gujarat government has warned that any individual or food business operator found violating the ban will face strict legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Officials said enforcement agencies will monitor compliance across the state and take action against those manufacturing or selling unauthorised analogue dairy products.
(With inputs from ANI)
