Eateries must mention 'cheese analogue' on menu cards, receipts if used in food: FDA order

The Maharashtra FDA has made it mandatory for food establishments to clearly indicate 'cheese analogue' on sales receipts, menu cards, and price boards since May 1.

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) department on Tuesday said it is now mandatory for hotels, eateries, food-service suppliers and food vendors to clearly indicate ''cheese analogue'' on sales receipts, menu cards and price boards.

The FDA has launched a special inspection drive across the state regarding ''cheese analogue'', and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Narhari Zirwal has instructed all departmental food joint commissioners to enforce it strictly.

''It is now mandatory for hotels, eateries, food-service suppliers and food vendors to clearly indicate 'cheese analogue' on sales receipts, menu cards and price boards,'' the statement said.

Strict enforcement of this rule has been in effect since May 1, it said.

During the first 10 days of the statewide special inspection drive, 1,496 establishments were inspected, it said.

Zirwal's initiative in Maharashtra has been noticed by the central government's Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). As a result, the direction Maharashtra has taken for authentic paneer may now serve as a guideline for the entire country, the statement added.

The issue of adulterated paneer has been raised in the state legislature by several lawmakers cutting across party lines.

Cheese analogue, often called fake cheese, is a food product designed to mimic the appearance, taste, and melting properties of traditional dairy cheese.