The decision comes days after Telangana food safety authorities found palm oil and glycerol monostearate at dairy units allegedly manufacturing analogue paneer during inspections in Hyderabad.
The order was issued on Friday, September 11, by the Commissioner of Food Safety under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The prohibition has come into immediate effect from Friday. The notification states that the action has been taken in the interest of public health.
According to a press note issued by the Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) on Friday, the prohibition covers analogue or non-dairy paneer that is manufactured, stored, distributed or sold as ‘Paneer’ or otherwise. The gazette notification makes it clear that the restriction applies to non-dairy/artificial paneer/analogue paneer in any form. Anyone contravening the order will be liable for action under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules and regulations made under it.
However, the government has specified an important exemption. The notification says the prohibition does not extend to a food product that is specifically standardised under regulations made under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and is lawfully manufactured and marketed under its prescribed name and conditions.
