Gandhinagar, April 5 (IANS). Hundreds of eateries including hotels and dhabas have been raided on a large scale in Gujarat. During this period, a fine of more than Rs 1.40 lakh was imposed on 17 different hotels and eateries. At the same time, about 615 kg of poor quality food was destroyed. The officers provided this information.
Officials said the action is part of ongoing efforts to ensure food safety and transparency in the use of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and analog paneer in hotels, restaurants, dhabas and street food stalls. A total of 347 places were inspected across Gujarat, which included restaurants, dhabas and food stalls.
According to officials, hotels in Ahmedabad were also among those fined for not showing correct information. At the same time, Surat Municipal Corporation and Rajkot Municipal Corporation imposed fines of Rs 52,300 and Rs 3,600 respectively.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDCA) issued an order on April 4 directing all food businesses to clearly disclose whether they are using cheese made from milk or analog cheese made from vegetable fat, starch or other ingredients.
“Products made from other ingredients should not be labeled as ‘Paneer’ nor should they be sold as ‘Paneer’. Instead, they should be described as ‘Paneer analogs’ or ‘analogs’,” the order said.
Officials said that any attempt to mislead customers or provide wrong information will be considered a violation of the rules and strict legal action will be taken against it. Officials said that these steps show our continued commitment towards protecting the interests of consumers and ensuring food safety across Gujarat.
–IANS
DCH/
