Key Update

The Madhya Pradesh government has banned the production, sale and use of analogue paneer, citing health concerns and promoting natural dairy products. The government has directed officials to inspect factories and seize the product. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced the ban during a meeting with Food and Civil Supplies Department officials. Madhya Pradesh now becomes the fourth state after Maharashtra, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh to ban analogue paneer.

Analogue paneer serves as a lower-cost substitute for traditional paneer. Manufacturers make it using vegetable fats and starch, either instead of milk or along with milk. Its lower price has increased its production and consumption, particularly in restaurants.

Why has Madhya Pradesh introduced the ban?

The government decided due to concerns about the growing use of analogue paneer and its potential health implications. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also raised concerns about the product and urged states to consider banning it.

A Food Safety Department official estimates that people consume around 9,000 to 12,000 quintals of analogue paneer every month in Madhya Pradesh, particularly in restaurants.

Following the ban, the Food Safety Department has directed district officials to inspect factories and test paneer produced across the state. Officials will seize any analogue paneer they find during these inspections. In Indore, officials have already raided a dairy factory and seized 450 kg of paneer as part of the enforcement drive.

Source: Hindustan Times