New Delhi, August 05, 2026

The Gujarat government has taken a significant step to strengthen food safety by imposing a statewide ban on the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution, and sale of unauthorised analogue paneer, cheese, and butter. The move reflects the state's focus on protecting consumer health, ensuring transparency in food products, and preventing the circulation of dairy substitutes that could mislead buyers while affecting genuine milk-based producers.

The ban came into effect on Thursday and was announced by Health Minister Praful Pansheriya, who said the decision was made in the interest of public health. He stated that the government would not permit any compromise with people's health and confirmed that the production and distribution of unauthorised analogue dairy products have been prohibited throughout Gujarat. The action follows inspections and laboratory analysis carried out by the state's Food and Drug Regulatory Authority, which found that products resembling paneer were being produced using vegetable oils and other non-dairy ingredients instead of milk. According to the government, such products have the potential to mislead consumers, harm legitimate dairy manufacturers, and raise concerns regarding food safety.

On Wednesday, Pansheriya appealed to food business operators across the state to manufacture, sell, and use only genuine, high-quality food products while strictly complying with food safety regulations. “An appeal is made to all producers, traders, hotels, restaurants, caterers, and food business operators of the state that they should produce, sell, and use only high-quality and genuine food items and fully comply with all food safety regulations,” read Pansheriya's post on X.

The Gujarat government has warned that strict legal action will be taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, against any individual or food business operator found violating the ban. The decision is expected to reinforce food quality standards, enhance consumer confidence, and promote greater accountability within the state's dairy and food industry.