Key Update

The State Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) in Mumbai has directed restaurants, hotels, caterers, and fast food vendors to clearly mention the use of cheese analogue on menu cards and electronic display boards by April 30. Food safety commissioner Shridhar Dubey-Patil confirmed that authorities will begin strict enforcement from May 1. Officials will take action against violators under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and related regulations.

This directive follows multiple consumer complaints about misleading food practices. In several cases, outlets used cheese analogues without disclosure and marketed such products under names resembling paneer or cheese. As a result, consumers could not clearly identify what they were consuming.

Understanding the Difference

The FDA clarified the distinction between paneer and cheese analogues to address this confusion. Paneer is made entirely from milk. In contrast, cheese analogues contain edible oils, starch, emulsifiers, and other non-milk ingredients, even though they may look similar. While the FDA stated that analogue products are not harmful, it stressed that transparency is essential. Clear labelling allows consumers to make informed food choices. To strengthen accountability, the authority has also provided a toll-free number (1800-222-365) for lodging complaints.

Additional Measures for Public Safety

Meanwhile, the FDA has introduced another directive to improve monitoring in the pharmaceutical sector. It has asked all retail and wholesale drug stores in Mumbai to install CCTV cameras. Officials raised concerns about the easy availability of Schedule H, H1, and X drugs without prescriptions, especially among minors. Such misuse can lead to dependency. Therefore, the FDA emphasised the need for a stronger monitoring and reporting system to prevent abuse and ensure public safety.

Source: The Times of India