3 weeks ago
NHRC Seeks Answers on Analogue Paneer From FSSAI and States
Paneer is a soft cheese made from milk that many people in India love to eat.
Some companies make a pretend version called 'analogue paneer' that can be made with vegetable oil instead of real milk.
The National Human Rights Commission, a government body that protects people's rights, is worried that buyers might not know what they are eating.
The Commission asked India's food safety agency, FSSAI, to explain what ingredients analogue paneer can have and whether it is safe.
It also asked how scientists can tell real milk paneer apart from products with vegetable oils and fats.
The Commission wants to know if consumers are told clearly what is in these products.
It asked every state and union territory in India to report how this paneer is made, sold and checked.
Four states – Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh – have already banned the sale of analogue paneer.
The Commission wants clear information so people can make smart choices about their food.
All answers and reports must be sent within two weeks.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in a Bench led by Member Priyank Kanoongo, took cognisance of concerns over the manufacture, licensing, sale and consumption of 'analogue paneer'.
FSSAI has been asked for detailed clarification on the product's regulatory status, permissible composition, nutritional implications, health concerns, applicable standards and testing methodology.
The Bench questioned the regulatory and nutritional justification for allowing a product substantially different from conventional milk-derived paneer to be sold as a substitute.
The NHRC sought information from Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories on the manufacture, supply, sale and serving of analogue paneer, including inspections, violations and enforcement action.
The move came a day after Madhya Pradesh banned analogue paneer, following similar bans in Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra; Action Taken Reports are due within two weeks.
- Who
- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), acting through a Bench led by Member Priyank Kanoongo, which sought clarifications from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories, following a complaint by the Advanced Study Institute of Asia (ASIA) and the Centre for Health Equity.
- What
- A nationwide NHRC inquiry into the regulatory status, composition, nutritional value, food safety, testing and labelling of 'analogue paneer'.
- Where
- Across India, with notices sent to FSSAI and the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories.
- When
- The specific date was not stated; the action came a day after Madhya Pradesh banned the sale and use of analogue paneer.
- Why
- To examine the regulatory and nutritional justification for permitting a product substantially different from milk-derived paneer to be sold as a substitute, and to protect consumers' right to accurate information.
Key facts
- Commission
- National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
- Bench lead
- NHRC Member Priyank Kanoongo
- Regulator asked to clarify
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- Product under scrutiny
- Analogue paneer (paneer substitute that can contain vegetable oils/fats and other non-milk ingredients)
- States that banned analogue paneer
- Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh
- Complainants
- Advanced Study Institute of Asia (ASIA), Centre for Health Equity
- Complaint report
- 'Analogue Paneer in India: A Food-Systems Threat to Health Equity'
- Deadline for Action Taken Reports
- Within two weeks of receipt of the notices
Sources
NHRC Questions Regulatory Basis Of ‘Analogue Paneer’, Seeks Nationwide Details On Sales And Safety
Priyank Kanoongo-led NHRC bench probes ‘analogue paneer’: FSSAI asked about safety, ingredients and labelling
NHRC Seeks Answers From FSSAI on 'Analogue Paneer', Asks States for Clarification Over Its Sale, Manufacture
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