Government demands ban on analogue cheese, paneer in over health concerns

INDIA – A strong call to ban the sale of analogue cheese and analogue paneer echoed through the Maharashtra state assembly, as BJP MLA Vikram Pachpute raised serious health concerns about these products. 

Reported by sources in the assembly, Pachpute warned that these synthetic substitutes for real cheese and paneer are jeopardizing public health while boosting profits for vendors. 

The legislator from Shrigonda stressed that the widespread use of these items by restaurants and street food sellers is a growing problem that demands immediate action.

During the session, Pachpute dramatically presented samples of both analogue and real paneer to the assembly speaker, challenging him to spot the difference. 

According to assembly records, he highlighted how these artificial products, made with cheap ingredients like vegetable oils, starches, and emulsifiers instead of milk, lack the nutritional value of dairy-based originals. 

He argued that their low cost makes them attractive to businesses but harmful to consumers. 

“Seventy percent of all the paneer and cheese that we eat is not real. It is a very serious issue, and stern action is needed to stop this artificial product, which is leading to serious diseases such as cancer and liver cirrhosis,” Pachpute told the assembly.

The demand received a swift response from Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who called it a “serious issue” and promised government intervention. 

A report by state officials confirmed Pawar’s assurance that he would address the matter decisively. 

“I will call a meeting of all the concerned departments and the MLAs who have some information about this, and take all the necessary steps to bring this to an end,” Pawar stated during the discussion. 

He also noted that the state would coordinate with the central government if new laws were required to tackle the issue.

Pachpute pointed out that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India permits analogue cheese and paneer sales, but only with proper labeling, a rule he claimed is widely ignored in Maharashtra. 

He urged for stricter monitoring, including checks on loose sales and imports from neighboring states. 

The synthetic versions, often called non-dairy or plant-based alternatives, contain unhealthy fats like trans fats and hydrogenated vegetable oils, which experts link to heart disease, high cholesterol, and inflammation. 

While some analogue products cater to lactose-intolerant or vegan consumers, Pachpute emphasized that mislabeling and unchecked sales pose a broader risk. 

The state government’s next steps are now awaited as public health takes center stage in this debate.