Madhya Pradesh to ban analogue paneer, CM Mohan Yadav says
Bhopal, August 12
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday said the state government has decided to discourage and ban analogue paneer, asserting that the state will build its identity on the purity of naturally produced milk products.
"We have decided to discourage analogue paneer and impose a ban on it in Madhya Pradesh. Observing the situation in other states, we intend to build the identity of our state on the purity of naturally produced milk products. While we are moving forward in the direction of increasing milk production, we will not encourage any such activities," CM Yadav told ANI.
Meanwhile, State Minister Narendra Shivaji Patel said the decision was also prompted by the possibility of analogue paneer being dumped in Madhya Pradesh after neighbouring states, including Gujarat, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, imposed bans on it.
"Our neighbouring states Gujarat, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh have banned analogue paneer. Now, there is a possibility that its dumping in Madhya Pradesh may increase. There are FSSAI directions regarding the manufacture and sale of analogue paneer, but they are not properly followed, resulting in inappropriate and inedible food substances being used to make analog paneer, which adversely affects the health of our citizens. Therefore, we are also going to impose a ban on it in Madhya Pradesh, and its order will be issued soon," Patel told ANI.
He further urged those involved in manufacturing or selling analogue paneer to stop the practice; otherwise, legal action would be taken against them.
"I appeal to everyone involved in such activities to stop manufacturing and selling analogue paneer. Legal action will be initiated immediately after the order is issued," the minister said.
He added that the state Food Department was conducting continuous enforcement under the 'Shuddh Ke Liye Yudh' (War for Purity) campaign launched under the leadership of CM Mohan Yadav.
With major festivals such as Raksha Bandhan approaching, the minister said the department was keeping a close watch on adulterated mawa and other food products to ensure that people have access to pure and safe food.
When asked about action against those who continue to sell analogue paneer after the ban comes into effect, Patel said the products would be seized and destroyed and strict legal action would be taken against those involved.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is such a relief as a mother. It breaks my heart to think that sometimes we unknowingly feed our children adulterated products during festivals. Raksha Bandhan and Diwali are coming and we all make sweets at home or buy from shops. At least now with this ban, we can be more confident about what we're giving our families. But I also hope that the government ensures the supply of genuine paneer remains affordable for everyone. Pure products should be accessible to all, not just the rich.
Good move in theory, but let's see how the implementation goes. I've seen many states ban things on paper but nothing really changes on the ground. The key is enforcement and making sure the FSSAI actually checks these things regularly. Also, what about the small vendors and businesses that might be selling analogue paneer unknowingly? There should be awareness campaigns along with the ban, so that people know what to look for and how to differentiate between real and fake paneer.
As someone who has lived in both India and the US, I appreciate the cultural emphasis on pure, natural food. This is something India does better than many countries. The 'Shuddh Ke Liye Yudh' campaign sounds like a great initiative. I hope other states also follow this example and we see a nationwide standard for dairy products. It's about protecting our traditional food culture and the health of the people.
I completely support this ban. Honestly, the amount of adulteration these days is scary. Analogue paneer is often made using "dalda" (vegetable fat) and chemicals which are not good for health. It's the small restaurants and sweet shops that use this cheap substitute to maximize profit. I hope the enforcement teams are strict and also do surprise checks in restaurants and sweet shops, not just big manufacturers. Yaar, we all deserve to eat proper paneer!
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