If you are ordering your favourite paneer dish such as Paneer Butter Masala (PBM) at a hotel or restaurant, you may want to be cautious. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that in several cases, customers could be served ‘cheese analogue’ instead of genuine paneer made from pure milk. The FDA has now issued show-cause notices to 25 prominent eateries in the city for allegedly misleading consumers.
Officials said many restaurants and fast-food outlets are using cheaper cheese analogue products, prepared from vegetable oil and other ingredients, in place of real paneer. As per food safety regulations, establishments using cheese analogue are required to clearly mention it on their menu cards.
During an inspection drive conducted between May 5 and May 11, the FDA checked 102 food establishments. While 77 outlets were found complying with the rules by clearly mentioning the ingredient, 25 establishments were reportedly violating the norms.
Authorities warned that if corrective measures are not taken after the notices are issued, the licences of the concerned hotels and restaurants could either be suspended or permanently cancelled. Officials also clarified that the inspection campaign will continue through surprise checks in the coming weeks.
Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, food businesses are required to clearly disclose ingredients and nutritional information to consumers. The FDA has advised customers to carefully read menu cards and ask restaurant management about ingredients if they have any doubts regarding food quality.
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