Prioritizing public health, the Uttarakhand government has banned the manufacture, storage, transportation, and sale of non-standardized dairy analogues and non-dairy products across the state with immediate effect. The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department took this stringent measure following directives from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
This order applies to products that resemble paneer, ghee, or butter but utilize vegetable fats or other non-dairy ingredients instead of milk, thereby misleading consumers. Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, this ban will remain in effect for one year or until the FSSAI establishes final standards. However, products that comply with established standards—such as frozen desserts and processed cheese—are exempt from this ban.
The department will conduct a special inspection drive across the state, involving surprise checks of dairy units, warehouses, and markets. Strict actions, including confiscation of goods, license cancellation, and legal prosecution, will be taken against violators. Health Secretary Vinay Shankar Pandey has urged traders to conduct business in compliance with the standards. This government move will tighten the noose on adulterators and ensure that consumers receive pure food products.
