GUWAHATI: The Assam Government has imposed statewide restrictions on the manufacture, storage, sale, distribution and use of substandard and unauthorised dairy substitute products following the detection of adulterated paneer and other dairy products during food safety inspections.
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The Assam Food Safety Commissionerate issued an order on October 31, stating that the restrictions would remain in force for one year unless modified or extended by the competent authority.
Speaking at a press conference in Dispur on Tuesday, November 3, Health Minister Ashok Singhal said the government would not tolerate food adulteration or practices that mislead consumers, adding that public health would remain a priority.
The Food Safety Department had collected samples of paneer and other dairy products from different parts of the state. Laboratory tests revealed that some products did not contain the prescribed quantity of milk fat. Excessive water, starch, vegetable oil and other non-dairy ingredients were also detected in certain samples.
The minister clarified that products that do not meet the prescribed standards of genuine paneer cannot be sold or marketed as paneer. Products made using vegetable oil or other non-dairy fats instead of milk fat cannot be passed off as genuine paneer.
Singhal also urged hotels, restaurants, catering establishments and other food business operators to verify the quality and source of the products they purchase and strictly follow food safety regulations.
Violations of the order will invite legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Penalties may include withdrawal of products from the market, suspension or cancellation of business licences and legal proceedings against those involved in manufacturing, storing, selling or distributing prohibited products.
The Food Safety Department will continue inspections and enforcement drives across the state.
The minister also urged consumers to exercise caution while purchasing paneer and other dairy products. People have been advised to check product labels, manufacturing and expiry or best-before dates, and Food Safety licence details. Consumers have also been asked to report suspicious food products or suspected cases of adulteration to the concerned Food Safety Officers.
