After Maharashtra, Gujarat has also taken a decision to ban the production, storage, and sale of analogue paneer, cheese, and butter. This ban is expected to have a direct impact on food prices at small food stalls, cafes, and cloud kitchens that depended heavily on analogue dairy items.
Gujarat Bans Analogue Paneer, Butter & Cheese
Instead of using real milk, analogue dairy items are usually made of vegetable oil, starch, and chemicals. They look similar to real dairy products, and many people even buy them. To protect people’s health, Gujarat has now announced a state-wide ban on analogue paneer, cheese, and butter. This decision was taken after extensive sampling and laboratory testing by the FDA. And yes, this ban is significantly going to impact food prices at eateries.
According to Bhaskar English, small food stalls, cafes, and cloud kitchens used to rely heavily on analogue dairy items as they were cheaper and allowed them to keep food prices affordable. Since the production, storage, and sale are now banned, they will be required to use only pure milk paneer, original butter, and cheese. This means that customers may have to pay ₹20-60 more for several dishes.
Also Read: 6 Months Jail, ₹1 Lakh Fine: Inside Maharashtra’s Fake Paneer Ban With Strict Punishment
Paneer Dishes, Sandwiches, Pizzas & More To Become Costlier
Pizzas, which are made with cheese, are expected to become costlier. People may have to pay ₹180 instead of ₹150. Other dishes like Paneer Butter Masala, which was sold for ₹220, could now cost ₹260. Prices are also expected to rise for dishes like Paneer Pulao, Corn and Cheese Pizza and Cheese Club Sandwich. Other dishes may also become costlier.
Sanat Relia, Vice President of the South Gujarat Hotel and Restaurant Association, shared with Bhaskar English that the decision will not impact larger restaurants. They were already using original milk paneer and their menu prices.
On the other hand, Vadodara Hotel Owners Association Vice President Hemal Mehta believes that instead of full-fat paneer, many restaurants may opt for low-fat paneer, which is cheaper. But yes, the ban can have a greater financial impact on dhabas and street food vendors. Analogue paneer was not just cheaper but also had a longer shelf life that prevented wastage.
Also Read: Lock Upp S2: From Palak Paneer To Dal, What Do Contestants Eat On The Show?
Foodies in Gujarat, you may have to shell out some extra money to enjoy food made of dairy products now!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ AKKI
FAQs
Why have Gujarat and Maharashtra banned analogue paneer?
Gujarat and Maharashtra banned analogue paneer to prevent the sale of fake dairy products and protect consumers’ health.
What is analogue paneer made of?
Analogue paneer is usually made using vegetable oils, starch, and other non-dairy items.
Is analogue paneer harmful?
Analogue paneer is not harmful, but regular consumption is unhealthy as it is made of vegetable oil and starch.
