Gujarat Intensifies Raids on Analogue Paneer and Cheese After Statewide Ban
Ahmedabad, Gujarat | August 2026 – Gujarat has intensified enforcement against banned analogue dairy products, with civic and food safety authorities conducting inspections across multiple cities following the state’s recent prohibition on the production, sale, storage, transport, and use of analogue paneer and related products.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) warned that strict action will be taken against any manufacturer, vendor, restaurant, hotel, caterer, or food business operator found using or selling analogue paneer within its jurisdiction.
Ahmedabad Continues Inspections
AMC’s Health and Food Safety Department said inspections of dairies and paneer manufacturing units are continuing as part of a broader drive to eliminate banned analogue dairy products from the market.
On Thursday, officials inspected several establishments across Ahmedabad and collected 22 paneer samples for laboratory testing. According to AMC, no stock of analogue paneer was found during these inspections.
Authorities warned that violators could face:
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Cancellation of food business licences
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Sealing of business premises
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Legal proceedings under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
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Action under the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations Act
Previous Monitoring Revealed Violations
AMC officials stated that food business establishments had previously been instructed to clearly disclose whether they were using genuine milk-based paneer or analogue paneer.
During the past six months, health inspectors collected 218 samples from food businesses, of which:
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57 samples were declared substandard
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23 samples were identified as analogue paneer
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34 samples showed milk fat levels outside prescribed standards
Cases have been filed before the adjudicating officer under Sections 51 and 52 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, which provide for penalties of up to ₹5 lakh.
Surat Destroys 235 kg of Analogue Cheese
Enforcement action also intensified in Surat.
The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) seized and destroyed approximately 235 kg of analogue cheese during inspections carried out by food safety teams.
Three teams inspected 14 establishments involved in the production, storage, and sale of dairy products as part of the ongoing crackdown.
Rajkot and Jamnagar Conduct Raids
In Rajkot, food safety officials inspected a milk products company and collected samples of:
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Analogue cheese
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Low-fat protein paneer
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Paneer
The establishment was also issued a notice regarding deficiencies in storage and sanitation practices.
In Jamnagar, officials seized and destroyed 12 kg of analogue paneer from a pizza outlet.
How Consumers Can Identify Analogue Paneer
Food safety authorities have advised consumers to remain cautious when purchasing paneer, especially from unbranded or loose sources.
Common indicators that may help distinguish analogue paneer from genuine milk paneer include:
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Texture: Genuine paneer tends to crumble naturally, while analogue paneer is often rubbery or elastic.
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Surface feel: Authentic paneer usually has a mild milky feel, whereas analogue products may leave an oily or greasy residue.
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Ingredient disclosure: Packaged products should clearly mention whether they contain milk solids, vegetable fats, starches, or other non-dairy ingredients.
Statewide Crackdown Continues
The intensified raids follow Gujarat’s statewide ban on analogue paneer, cheese, and butter, introduced to strengthen food safety, prevent misleading labeling, and protect consumers and dairy producers.
Authorities said inspections and sampling drives will continue across the state to ensure compliance and remove banned analogue dairy products from the supply chain.
