Lok Sabha Question No. 3461 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Sale and Consumption of Adulterated/Fake Paneer
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3461 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21 ST MARCH, 2025

## SALE AND CONSUMPTION OF ADULTERATED/FAKE PANEER

## 3461. SHRI SAPTAGIRI SANKAR ULAKA:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware of increasing reports on the sale and use of fake or adulterated paneer in restaurants and eateries across the country and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether there are any regulations/mandatory provisions requiring restaurants and food establishments to clearly mention on their menus the type and quality of paneer used and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the health impacts and risks associated with consuming adulterated paneer, as assessed by the Government or food safety agencies;

(d) the measures taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to curb the production, sale, and usage of fake paneer alongwith the details of inspections and actions taken against violators during the last two years; and

(e) whether the Government proposes to introduce stricter guidelines or certification norms to ensure transparency and consumer safety regarding paneer and similar dairy products and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a): The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) consistently monitors and inspects food businesses, including restaurants and eateries, nationwide. In the case of any violations, penal action is taken against the offenders as per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, Rules and Regulations. Additionally, the enforcement authorities promptly address reports of violations, such as adulteration, received through various channels, and take appropriate regulatory measures.

- (b): Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations 2020, provides the general and specific requirements that needs to be displayed by the food service establishments such as restaurants etc., on the menu cards or boards or booklets or electronic display as the case may be. This information includes ingredient & nutritional information, calorific values, allergen information, vegetarian/non-vegetarian logos, as specified & provided under the ibid regulation.

(c): Indian Council of Medical Research has not conducted any specific study to evaluate the health impacts and risks associated with the consumption of adulterated paneer.

(d): FSSAI through its regional offices and States/UTs food safety departments, conducts surveillance, inspection, monitoring and random sampling to check & verify compliance with the standards & requirements laid down under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 & regulations there under.

As per the reports by the States/ UTs and regional offices of FSSAI, details of samples analysed and action taken against the defaulting Food Business Operators for noncompliance in Milk & Milk Products, in the last 2 years, is as below:

| Year    |   No of Sample Analysed |   No of Cases Launched |   Current Convictions and Penalties |
|---------|-------------------------|------------------------|-------------------------------------|
| 2022-23 |                   39091 |                  10381 |                                6953 |
| 2023-24 |                   38498 |                  14384 |                                7109 |

(e): Action taken by FSSAI to ensure transparency and consumer safety regarding Milk and Milk products including paneer are as below:-

-  FSSAI has prescribed standards for dairy products and analogues vide Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011.
-  FSSAI has uploaded the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on dairy analogues and milk and milk products on its website for consumer and stakeholder awareness.
-  FSSAI has prescribed provision for display of information in food service establishments vide Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.
-  FSSAI has published a guidance note on 'Display of Information in Food Service Establishments (Menu Labelling)' on its website to enhance consumer and stakeholder awareness.

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