The Uttar Pradesh government has imposed a strict statewide ban on the sale of analogue dairy products such as paneer, ghee and khoya, in a major move aimed at curbing food adulteration and ensuring the safety and authenticity of milk-based products consumed across the state.
The decision follows extensive inspections by food safety authorities, which reportedly uncovered widespread adulteration in dairy products across multiple districts. Officials found that several products being sold as traditional dairy items were allegedly mixed with refined oils, vegetable fats, soy-based ingredients and other non-dairy substances that compromise both quality and consumer health.
The enforcement action is being taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which mandates that all milk and milk products must meet strict quality standards and prohibits the sale of misbranded or misleading food items presented as genuine dairy products.
As per the government directive, food safety officers have been instructed to take immediate and strict action wherever adulteration or the organised use of unauthorised ingredients is detected in dairy production and distribution chains.
Under the strengthened enforcement framework, any dairy product found to contain foreign fats, harmful chemicals or other prohibited substances will be subject to seizure and destruction. Authorities have also been empowered to issue emergency prohibition orders under Section 34 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, allowing them to shut down establishments involved in serious violations.
In addition, the state government has warned that businesses found repeatedly or systematically engaging in the use of harmful or non-permitted substances may face criminal action, including the filing of FIRs under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Regulatory authorities also retain the power to suspend or cancel food licences and registrations of non-compliant food businesses under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
Importantly, the restrictions will apply not only to locally manufactured products but also to dairy items sourced from outside Uttar Pradesh. If laboratory testing confirms the presence of harmful chemicals or non-dairy fats in products manufactured in other states, those brands may also face a complete ban on sale within Uttar Pradesh.
Officials said the move is part of a broader effort to address rising concerns over imitation dairy products that mimic traditional items like paneer, ghee and khoya while using cheaper vegetable-based substitutes. Similar regulatory actions have been taken in several other states in response to growing food safety concerns.
The Uttar Pradesh government has reiterated that the primary objective of the crackdown is to safeguard public health, ensure transparency in food labelling, and guarantee that consumers receive genuine, safe and standards-compliant dairy products.
