Gandhinagar, April 9 (IANS) Inspections of more than 2,500 food establishments across Gujarat and the destruction of over 700 kg of food marked a statewide crackdown on the labelling and quality of paneer and its substitutes, as authorities stepped up enforcement following new disclosure rules.

The Food and Drug Regulatory Authority (FDCA) conducted a “mega special drive” between April 4 and 9 to verify the quality, correct identification and consumer disclosure of paneer and cheese products across hotels, restaurants, dhabas and other food service units, officials said on Thursday.

A total of 2,527 units, including manufacturers and eateries, were inspected during the drive.

According to officials, 270 notices were issued for violations, while 18 establishments were sealed or closed.

Authorities collected penalties amounting to Rs 2,84,300 and destroyed 703 kg of food deemed unfit for consumption.

As part of the enforcement exercise, 95 samples were collected for laboratory analysis.

Food Safety Vans inspected 659 units and carried out on-the-spot testing of 679 samples.

Officials added that the campaign also sought to address consumer confusion around substitutes, saying that “analogue paneer is not fake but an alternative to dairy paneer”, while warning that any mislabelling or misleading presentation would invite action.

Penalties, notices and legal proceedings are being initiated against violators, and the drive will continue with stricter enforcement.

The action follows the FDCA’s directive mandating that hotels, restaurants and eateries clearly display whether the paneer served is made from milk or is an analogue product.

Establishments have been instructed to put up prominent display boards specifying the nature of paneer offered to customers.

Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said eateries must clearly indicate the type of paneer being served, adding that failure to do so would amount to misleading consumers.

The order also bars businesses from presenting analogue products simply as “paneer”, requiring them instead to label such items as “analogue” or “vegetable-fat paneer alternative” on menus or display boards.

Officials said the directive is being enforced under provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, with non-compliance attracting penalties and legal action.

The inspections will now be extended to manufacturing units and vendors to ensure compliance in production and sale, as authorities continue efforts to prevent mislabelling and protect consumer interests.

–IANS

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