Pune FDA Suspends Restaurant Licence Over Cheese Analogue Sold as Paneer

The Pune Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licence of a restaurant in Camp, Pune, for using cheese analogue products and selling them as paneer without informing consumers. The action follows an inspection on June 22, during which officials found violations of food safety regulations.

Digambar Bhogawade, Joint Commissioner (Food) of the Pune FDA, stated that the restaurant, Pind Punjab, was using cheese analogue in food preparations. Cheese analogue is a substitute made from vegetable oils and other ingredients, distinct from traditional dairy paneer.

In May, FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe issued a directive requiring hoteliers to clearly disclose the use of analogue paneer and cheese in food items through labels, menus, or display boards. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has previously clarified that selling cheese analogue as ‘paneer’ constitutes a serious violation of the law and must be stopped.

During the inspection, FDA officials found the product stored in a manner that violated hygiene and sanitary practices under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. A sample of approximately 12 kg, valued at Rs 3,480, was taken for laboratory analysis. Bhogawade confirmed that further action will be taken based on the lab results.

The crackdown extends to Pune and Satara districts, targeting restaurants, hotels, dairies, and fast-food outlets that use cheese analogue without proper disclosure. Consumers are advised to check for clear labelling and report any suspicious practices to the FDA.