Chandigarh :
To help check food adulteration and enable consumers to make informed choices, the Food Safety Administration (FSA), Health Department, U.T. Chandigarh, has directed all food business operators to clearly disclose the type of paneer or paneer-like product used in their food preparations.
Products available in the market include standard paneer, medium-fat paneer, low-fat paneer and dairy analogue. These differ in composition and nutritional characteristics. Accordingly, hotels, restaurants, fast-food outlets, dhabas, sweet shops, caterers and other eating establishments in Chandigarh have been directed to display the type used on their menu cards or rate lists and on a board at a prominent place on the premises. The declaration should clearly state whether the establishment uses standard paneer, medium-fat paneer, low-fat paneer or dairy analogue containing vegetable fat.
The FSA has also directed food business operators to procure paneer, milk and other raw materials only from FSSAI-licensed or registered suppliers, manufacturers and distributors. They must maintain purchase bills and invoices containing the batch number, date of manufacture, best-before date and supplier’s FSSAI licence number, and produce these records during inspections. Non-compliance may lead to action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, including sampling, seizure, an improvement notice or prosecution.
The FSA has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report information about the manufacture, sale or supply of substandard or unsafe milk products or other food items. Complaints may be submitted to the Office of the Designated Officer, Food Safety Administration, Government Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector 16, Chandigarh; through the emergency helpline 0172-2782457; through the FSSAI consumer grievance portal; or through the FSSAI Food Safety Connect app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
