Fake Paneer and Cheese Under FDA Scanner in Maharashtra

In a bold step to safeguard consumers, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declared a comprehensive crackdown on the sale and distribution of spurious paneer and cheese substitute products throughout the state. The move follows increasing evidence of fraudulent traders deceiving consumers by selling adulterated or imitation paneer made from lower-grade ingredients such as vegetable fats and milk powder, rather than authentic milk-based products.
FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal announced that stringent action will be initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act against individuals who are proved guilty of selling or distributing fake paneer. The guilty face immediate suspension of licenses and revocation of trade permissions. Food safety officers have been instructed to increase checks, inspect purchase and sale records, and take samples from restaurants, hotels, caterers, and fast food chains for tests in the labs.

The raid comes after high-profile raids recently, such as the seizure of more than 1,400 kg of paneer adulterated with milk powder in Pune, and rising fears of public health hazards, particularly for children. The FDA is also rolling out awareness initiatives to inform consumers and promote transparency in food labelling.

Source: Business Standard