Yogi Government Bans Analog Paneer And Adulterated Dairy Products In Uttar Pradesh

The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has taken a significant and decisive step towards ensuring food safety and public health by imposing a comprehensive ban on analog paneer and several other dairy-related products. This major announcement has sent shockwaves through the food business community, particularly among shopkeepers and manufacturers involved in the dairy trade across the state. The ban specifically targets products like analog paneer, cream, ghee, chhena, and khoya, which have been found to be manufactured using non-dairy ingredients or harmful chemicals.

Legal Framework and Fundamental Principles

According to the official order issued by the state authorities in Lucknow, the decision is rooted in the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The act explicitly mandates that milk and milk products must be manufactured and sold in their original and fundamental nature. The government emphasized that any deviation from the natural composition of dairy products is a direct violation of established legal standards. The Food Safety Commissioner highlighted that it's a primary responsibility of the department to prevent the sale of products that could potentially harm the health of the citizens.

Findings of the Inspection and Adulterants Used

The order reveals that extensive inspections were carried out in various districts of Uttar Pradesh to check the quality of milk and milk products. During these inspections, it was discovered that samples were heavily adulterated with a variety of substances, while the list of adulterants found in the samples is alarming and includes refined oil and fats, soybean and its products, talcum powder, detergent, and titanium dioxide. Plus, substances like liquid glucose, safolite, ranipal, tinopal, hydrogen peroxide, and various neutralizers were also detected. These ingredients are used to mimic the texture and appearance of real dairy products but are highly detrimental to human health.

Strict Enforcement Measures and Penalties

The Yogi government has outlined a series of strict measures to be taken against those found violating the ban.

• If any foreign fats or harmful chemicals/adulterants are found in any dairy manufacturing or processing unit, or within any premises under the authority of the firm owner, all milk products found in the unit will be seized and destroyed immediately.
• In the interest of public health, an emergency prohibition order will be issued under Section 34 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the manufacturing operations will be shut down with immediate effect.
• If it is found that harmful chemicals are being used in an organized manner, a First Information Report (FIR) will be registered against the concerned individuals under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
• A state-wide ban will be imposed on the sale of the specific brand found to be in violation of the standards.
• The food license or registration of such establishments will be suspended immediately under Regulation 2.1.8(4) of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
• If milk and milk products manufactured outside the state are found to contain harmful chemicals or foreign fats, a state-wide prohibition on the sale of that brand will also be enforced.

Context of the Decision

This strict action comes after a long period during which numerous cases of adulteration in milk and dairy products were reported across the state. The government's move is aimed at cleaning up the food supply chain and ensuring that consumers receive only pure and safe dairy products. The authorities have made it clear that no compromise will be made when it comes to the health of the people of Uttar Pradesh.