Prioritizing public health and food safety, the Punjab government has announced a comprehensive ban on analog paneer across the state. The prohibition has been imposed for a period of one year and comes into effect immediately. This decisive enforcement follows recent quality testing in which 43 percent of collected samples failed to meet prescribed food standards.
Prohibition Covers Production, Storage, and Transport
Under the official directive, all activities related to analog paneer, including its manufacturing, storage, distribution, transportation, and retail sale, are strictly banned throughout Punjab. Food safety authorities have warned of stringent legal consequences for anyone violating the order. Officials will also inspect the purchase and procurement records of vendors and distributors to ensure fake dairy products do not enter the supply chain.
Crackdown Across Neighboring States
Punjab joins a growing list of states implementing tough measures against analog paneer and synthetic dairy items. Maharashtra previously instituted a complete ban on analog paneer, establishing strict penalties that include imprisonment and monetary fines for violators. Similarly, Himachal Pradesh had already enforced a ban on the sale of analog paneer.
In a related enforcement drive, Haryana has banned analog paneer while also prohibiting misleading product labeling. The Haryana state government ruled that products can no longer be sold under deceptive names such as 'Hawan ka Ghee' or 'Pooja ka Ghee' to protect consumers from misleading market practices.
