MP bans production and sale of analogue paneer

Madhya Pradesh has joined Maharashtra, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh in banning the production, sale and use of analogue paneer in the state. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav issued directions to this effect on Wednesday during a meeting with officials of the Food and Civil Supplies Department before leaving for Gujarat.

He said the state would promote natural milk production and encourage the preparation of paneer from milk rather than substitutes.

“Analogue paneer is being banned in Madhya Pradesh, as has been done by other states. We will increase milk production naturally and make paneer naturally from milk,” the Chief Minister said.

Analogue paneer is prepared as a cheaper alternative to traditional milk-based paneer. It is made using ingredients such as vegetable fats, starch and other substances, either in place of milk or along with milk. Its lower cost has contributed to a sharp increase in its consumption in the market.

The daily inflow and sale of analogue paneer in Madhya Pradesh is estimated at around 300 to 400 quintals. At this rate, approximately 9,000 to 12,000 quintals, or 900 to 1,200 tonnes, of analogue paneer is estimated to be consumed in the state every month.

The large-scale sale of the product has prompted the state government to take stricter action.

The issue has also drawn the attention of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The commission has expressed concern over the sale of analogue paneer and has decided to write to Madhya Pradesh and other states seeking information about the sale of such products and their potential impact on public health.

NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo said analogue paneer is dangerous and that the commission is seeking an explanation from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on why such products are being permitted for sale.

Kanoongo questioned whether simply putting a health warning on a product would prevent it from causing harm, drawing a comparison with cigarette warnings. He said that since governments in three states had already taken a strong decision on the issue, other states should also consider similar action.

He also pointed out that analogue paneer may not always be detected through a test based only on aerobic starch, suggesting that the testing mechanism needs to be strengthened.

Following the Chief Minister's directions, the Food Safety Department has started taking action against suspected violations. On Wednesday, a team from the department inspected Umapati Industries in Palda, where low-fat paneer was being produced and packed.

During the inspection, officials found several deficiencies related to food safety standards. The team subsequently seized 450 kg of paneer from the premises.

The state government's decision is expected to bring greater scrutiny to the production, supply and sale of paneer substitutes across Madhya Pradesh, particularly in view of the significant quantities of analogue paneer estimated to be entering and being sold in the state's markets.