Karnataka Bans Production and Sale of Non Milk Paneer for One Year
The state government has prohibited the production, storage, supply and sale of paneer made from ingredients other than milk, citing concerns over food safety.
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has imposed a one year ban on the production, storage, supply and sale of paneer made from ingredients other than milk, citing the need to protect public health.
The order has been issued by the Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department. Commissioner Srinivas K said the restriction came into effect on August 17.
Under the order, such products cannot be sold wholesale or at retail outlets. Their transportation from one place to another and their use in preparing other food items are also prohibited.
Officials said genuine paneer is made from milk. However, some substitutes are prepared using ingredients such as vegetable oils, vegetable fats, starch and other materials instead of milk fat.
Food safety authorities said products made in this manner cannot legally be sold under the name paneer.
The department said several paneer samples were tested across Karnataka, and some violations related to quality standards were detected. Following the findings, the government decided to impose the temporary restriction as a public health measure.
The ban applies specifically to products for which the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has not prescribed separate standards.
Products that already have defined standards under FSSAI regulations, including processed cheese, frozen desserts and mixed fat spreads, are not covered by the ban.
The Food Safety Department has directed hotels, shops and paneer manufacturers across Karnataka to strictly comply with the order. Authorities have warned that legal action will be taken against those found violating the restrictions.