Gandhinagar: The Food and Drug Regulatory Authority (FDRA), Gujarat, conducted a state-wide special drive from April 4 to April 9 to check the quality, proper identification, and consumer awareness regarding paneer and cheese served across hotels and restaurants. During the drive, officials also verified whether units using “analogue paneer products” had displayed the mandatory disclosure boards informing consumers about the same.

As part of the campaign, Food Safety Officers carried out inspections at hotels, restaurants, dhabas, and other food service establishments across the state.

A total of 2,527 units, including manufacturers and food outlets, were inspected. Authorities issued 270 notices for violations, while 18 establishments were sealed or shut down. A total fine of ₹2.84 lakh was collected during the drive.

Officials also destroyed 703 kg of substandard or non-compliant food products, and 95 samples were collected for further laboratory testing.

Mobile Food Safety Vans (FSWs) played a significant role in the campaign by inspecting 659 units and conducting on-the-spot testing of 679 samples.

The authority clarified that “analogue paneer” is not fake but an alternative to traditional dairy paneer. However, strict action is being taken against units violating labelling and food safety norms.

The FDRA stated that such special drives will continue in the future, with intensified checks on manufacturers and vendors involved in the production and sale of paneer and analogue products. DeshGujarat