India could consider a nationwide ban on analogue paneer if states agree with the proposal at a meeting scheduled for September 24, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) chief Rajit Punhani told NDTV.
Eight states have already banned the sale of analogue paneer, including Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka.
Punhani said FSSAI could introduce a nationwide restriction if there is consensus among the states.
What Is Analogue Paneer?
Analogue paneer is a substitute for traditional paneer in which some or all milk ingredients are replaced with products such as vegetable oils, starches and emulsifiers.
Unlike traditional paneer, which is made from milk, analogue paneer uses other ingredients to produce a similar product.
Punhani said analogue dairy products are available in several countries. However, some Indian states want consumers to have access only to milk-based paneer because paneer is an important source of protein and nutrition in the country.
FSSAI has not yet announced a nationwide ban, and any such move will depend on the discussions and feedback from the states.
Over 5,000 Food Licences Suspended
The discussion on analogue paneer comes as food-safety authorities have increased inspections of restaurants and packaged food and spice manufacturers.
Punhani said compliance with food-safety regulations remains a concern, although it has improved as state governments have increased inspections.
According to figures cited by the FSSAI chief, more than one lakh notices have been issued in recent months. Around 5,000 food licences have also been suspended.
More than 600 people have been arrested and nearly 1,900 convictions have been recorded, while penalties have been imposed in around 33,000 cases.
Punhani clarified that these figures do not mean every business inspected was found violating food-safety rules. Businesses that pass inspections generally receive less attention than those where violations are detected.
He said the percentage of violations is gradually declining as the food-safety compliance system improves.
Warning Labels May Take More Time
Punhani also said proposed front-of-pack warning labels for foods high in sugar, salt or fat are likely to take time to implement.
The Supreme Court has asked FSSAI to provide a scientifically supported timeline and details on the design, size, colour and placement of the proposed warnings.
FSSAI has proposed a red hexagon symbol on the front of food packets, but the Supreme Court has not yet taken a final decision on the format.
The regulator had initially proposed introducing the warning system in two phases. The first phase would cover highly sweetened beverages and foods exceeding prescribed limits for at least two of the three nutrients.
The second phase would extend the warnings to products that are high in any one of the three nutrients.
Before the rules can be implemented, FSSAI will have to publish draft regulations and invite public comments. The proposal will also need to be notified to the World Trade Organization because of its possible impact on international trade.
Food manufacturers would then need additional time to update and replace existing packaging before the new warning system takes effect.
