Daman Bans Analogue Cheese for One Year Over Fake Paneer Concerns

DAMAN : A crackdown on what authorities describe as fake paneer being sold as genuine cheese has prompted the administration of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu to impose a complete one-year ban on analogue cheese across the Union Territory.

The order prohibits the production, processing, packing, storage, distribution and wholesale or retail sale of non-dairy or ‘analogue’ cheese for one year, according to an official notification issued by the Health Secretary and Food Safety Commissioner.

The decision follows an investigation by the Food Safety Department, which reportedly found non-dairy paneer being supplied in local markets and used by hotels, restaurants, caterers and sweet shops.

Officials said the product was made using vegetable oil or vegetable fat instead of milk fat and was allegedly being served to consumers as genuine paneer without disclosure.

“The use of non-dairy paneer in the name of genuine paneer is misleading to consumers and amounts to an unfair trade practice,” officials said.

The administration said the action was also aimed at curbing supplies of alleged analogue cheese entering the Union Territory from neighbouring Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Under the order, hotels, restaurants, caterers, cloud kitchens and other food businesses will be prohibited from using, storing or selling the banned product in food preparation.

Businesses selling genuine paneer have also been directed to comply strictly with the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.

Authorities warned that violations could invite action under Sections 50, 51, 52, 55 and 59 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Officials may also seize and destroy products found in violation of the order in accordance with the law.

The administration said the ban is intended to safeguard consumers as well as tourists visiting the Union Territory.

Officials stressed that food businesses must clearly identify the products they sell and ensure that consumers are not misled about the ingredients or nature of dairy products.

The one-year prohibition is expected to intensify inspections of food establishments and supply chains across Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli as authorities seek to prevent the sale of non-dairy products as genuine paneer.