3 hrs ago
FSSAI Considers Nationwide Ban on Analogue Paneer After State Consultation
Analogue paneer is a cheaper substitute for regular milk-based paneer.
It can be made with vegetable oil, starch and other ingredients instead of mostly milk.
FSSAI is asking Indian states whether the substitute should be banned across the country.
The states will discuss the issue at a meeting next Thursday.
Eight states have already banned it, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh.
Supporters of a ban say people should receive milk-based paneer as a source of protein.
Restaurants and street vendors could face higher costs if they must switch to real dairy paneer.
The article says frequent consumption of analogue paneer may increase health risks, including heart and metabolic problems.
FSSAI chief Rajit Punhani said states will discuss a possible nationwide ban on analogue paneer.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is seeking state feedback and consensus at a meeting next Thursday.
Eight states, including Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Gujarat, have already banned analogue paneer.
Analogue paneer uses vegetable oils, starches, stabilisers, thickeners and artificial whiteners instead of milk fat and solids.
A nationwide ban could raise costs for restaurants and vendors because analogue paneer costs nearly half as much as dairy paneer.
- Who
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, led by chief Rajit Punhani, and state governments.
- What
- Officials are considering banning analogue paneer throughout India.
- Where
- Across India, with eight states already having bans.
- When
- The states are expected to discuss the issue next Thursday; no calendar date is provided.
- Why
- FSSAI says paneer is an important food and protein source, and states want consumers to receive milk-based paneer.
Key facts
- Regulator
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- FSSAI chief
- Rajit Punhani
- Current status
- A nationwide ban is under consideration, subject to state feedback and consensus.
- Existing bans
- Eight states have already banned analogue paneer.
- Named states
- Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Gujarat are among the states with bans.
- Main ingredients
- Vegetable oils, binding agents, stabilisers, thickeners, artificial whiteners and starches can replace milk fat and solids.
- Cost impact
- Analogue paneer costs nearly half as much as genuine milk-based paneer.
Quotes
Rajit Punhani
Chief of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
“Once all the states give us feedback and if there's a consensus, then we will also ban analogue paneer across the country.”
businesstoday.in
Sources
Related news
States Restrict Analogue Paneer Over Health And Labeling Concerns
Karnataka Bans Analogue Paneer Marketed as Paneer for One Year
Zomato Bans Analogue Paneer Over Transparency Concerns
India Weighs Nationwide Analogue Paneer Ban, Food Chief Says
Telangana Bans Artificial Paneer Sold as Dairy Paneer
FSSAI Crackdown Could Expand India’s Organised Paneer Market
Bombay High Court Denies Relief In Thane Paneer Case
Science Quiz Covers Moon Basins, Space Weapons and Quantum Concepts
Athletics Coach Gets Life Ban; Powerlifter Suspended Over Drug Trafficking
