Gandhinagar, April 9 (NationPress) A significant enforcement initiative has taken place in Gujarat, involving thorough inspections of over 2,500 food establishments and the disposal of more than 700 kg of food as part of a comprehensive effort to ensure the integrity of paneer and its analogues. This crackdown comes in response to newly implemented disclosure regulations.

The Food and Drug Regulatory Authority (FDCA) executed a major inspection drive from April 4 to 9, aimed at assessing the quality and accurate labeling of paneer and cheese products at various food service locations, including hotels and restaurants, officials reported on Thursday.

During this operation, a total of 2,527 establishments, which encompassed both manufacturers and dining venues, were scrutinized.

Officials revealed that 270 notices were issued due to violations, and 18 locations were either sealed or shut down.

Fines totaling Rs 2,84,300 were imposed, and 703 kg of food that was found unfit for consumption was destroyed.

In support of this enforcement effort, 95 samples were taken for lab analysis.

Food Safety Vans inspected 659 units and performed immediate tests on 679 samples.

Additionally, the campaign aimed to clarify consumer misconceptions regarding substitutes, emphasizing that “analogue paneer is not a counterfeit but an alternative to dairy paneer.” However, any form of misrepresentation or false labeling will result in penalties.

Legal actions, including penalties and notices, are being pursued against those who violate these regulations, with the enforcement measures intensifying.

This initiative follows the FDCA’s directive that mandates hotels, restaurants, and eateries to clearly indicate whether the paneer served is derived from milk or is a substitute product.

Establishments are required to display clear signage indicating the type of paneer being offered to patrons.

Gujarat’s Health Minister, Praful Pansheriya, emphasized the importance of eateries accurately informing customers about the type of paneer served, warning that non-compliance constitutes misleading practices.

The directive prohibits businesses from labeling analogue products merely as “paneer,” and they must instead use terms like “analogue” or “vegetable-fat paneer alternative” on their menus or display boards.

Officials mentioned that this directive is enforced under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, with non-compliance attracting significant penalties and legal consequences.

Future inspections will extend to manufacturing units and vendors to ensure compliance in both production and sales, as authorities continue to strive for transparent labeling and the protection of consumer interests.