Telangana bans artificial, non-dairy analogue paneer for 1 year; 5 outlets lose licences | Hyderabad News
HYDERABAD: The Telangana government on Saturday imposed a one-year statewide ban on the production, distribution and sale of artificial and non-dairy analogue paneer to safeguard public health, according to news agency ANI.Commissioner Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential drugs (TG SAFE) stated, “It is to inform that In exercise of the powers conferred under clause (a) of Sub-section (2) of Section 30 of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and in the interest of public health, Commissioner of Food Safety, Telangana State issued orders prohibiting the manufacture, processing, packing, storage, distribution and sale of non-dairy/artificial paneer/analogue paneer in any form throughout the State of Telangana for a period of one year with immediate effect from 10.09.2026. The order is notified in the official gazette bearing No. 807 dated 10.09.2026.”Earlier this week, the Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) conducted a special enforcement drive in Hyderabad’s Kukatpally area, inspecting 20 food establishments and suspending the FSSAI licences of five establishments over food safety and hygiene violations.According to a press note issued by the Commissioner, TG SAFE, 10 teams comprising food safety officers and police personnel inspected restaurants, bakeries, sweet shops and hostels during the drive.Officials reportedly found several violations, including the use of spoiled and contaminated meat and vegetables, cockroach, housefly and rodent infestations, unhygienic premises, poor record maintenance and refrigerators being kept in an unclean condition.The inspection teams also found improper segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, expired food articles and food handlers allegedly failing to maintain required hygiene standards.TG SAFE said 20 food samples were collected for testing on suspicion of adulteration during the inspections. Spoiled and rotten vegetables and other raw materials, including groundnuts, flour and red chillies infested with insects and pests, were discarded on the spot.The FSSAI licences of five establishments have been suspended, TG SAFE said. The establishments have been directed to stop business operations immediately in the interest of public health.The enforcement drive is part of the state’s ongoing food safety inspections aimed at checking hygiene standards, licensing compliance and food quality at eateries and accommodation facilities.TG SAFE has conducted similar enforcement drives against food establishments in Hyderabad in recent weeks.(With agency inputs)
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