Nagpur: Of the 102 establishments inspected by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Nagpur division, around 23 were found not displaying ‘cheese’ or ‘paneer analogue’ on their menus and were issued notices. Acting against the alleged practice of serving ‘cheese analogue’ in place of paneer without informing consumers, the FDA has made it mandatory for food establishments to clearly label the use of cheese analogue wherever it is substituted for paneer.The move comes after reports that several eateries were allegedly misleading customers by serving cheese analogue — a processed product made using vegetable fats and other ingredients — while presenting it as paneer in food items.As part of a special inspection drive conducted between May 5 and May 11, FDA officials inspected 102 establishments, including hotels, restaurants, caterers and fast-food centres across Nagpur city and adjoining areas. According to KR Jaipurkar, joint commissioner, FDA Nagpur Division, 77 business operators were found complying with the norms by distinctly mentioning paneer and cheese analogue separately on menu cards and display systems.However, establishments failing to follow the directive have been issued show-cause notices, and further legal action may follow in case of continued non-compliance.FDA officials said the Food Safety and Standards Act mandates that consumers must be provided complete and transparent information about the ingredients used in food products. The department has directed all food business operators to prominently display details regarding ingredients, nutritional information, and health-related aspects wherever applicable.Officials said the directive applies not only to printed menu cards but also to electronic display boards, and self-ordering kiosks increasingly being used at restaurants and quick-service outlets.Jaipurkar said that regular inspections would continue in the coming weeks, and strict action would be initiated against violators under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Such action could include suspension or cancellation of licences of repeat offenders.The FDA has appealed to all hotels, restaurants, caterers and food outlets in the district to ensure complete transparency in food labelling practices and clearly distinguish between paneer and cheese analogue in all customer-facing displays.
