Ahmedabad: The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has taken action against around 10 well-known food establishments, including Real Paprika, in the city for allegedly serving analogue paneer while marketing it as real paneer. The civic body has collected administrative penalties amounting to over ₹3.26 lakh from the violators.

According to officials from the municipal food department, the use of analogue paneer is permitted under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. However, selling or serving it as paneer without proper disclosure constitutes a direct violation and misleads consumers. Authorities stressed that establishments using analogue products must clearly mention this on their menu cards.

The crackdown comes as part of an intensified food safety drive across the city. In the past week alone, the department collected around 250 food samples for testing. These included 50 samples of milk, paneer, and related products; 33 samples of spices and iodised salt; and 33 samples of beverages such as mango shake, sugarcane juice, and jaggery-based drinks. Additionally, 17 samples of pani puri water and mawa were also taken for analysis.

Officials said strict action is being initiated against units found violating norms under regulations of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, as well as provisions of the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations Act. Notices have been issued to all identified establishments, and proceedings to file cases before the adjudicating authority are underway.

Units Identified in the Drive:

• Patel Dairy, Mahavirnagar (India Colony)
• Shrinathji Bhojnalaya
• Jai Ambe Bhojnalaya
• Jai Gurudev Bhajipav & Chinese, Bapunagar
• Meena Hari Foods, Maninagar (Low-Fat Paneer)
• Jai Bhavani Khana Khajana, Saraspur
• Baba Ramdev Dhaba, Ramol (Malai Paneer and Hard Paneer)
• Jai Bhairavnath Punjabi Tadka, Vastral
• Real Paprika, Relief Road
• D.A. Hospitality (Hotel Gamthi), Gota

DeshGujarat