Uttarakhand Bans Substandard Dairy Products Statewide

The Uttarakhand government has imposed an immediate, statewide prohibition on the manufacture, storage, transportation, and sale of substandard and imitation dairy products. This decisive action aims to protect public health and ensure consumers have access to safe, quality food items.

The prohibition targets items like paneer, ghee, and butter. These products are often made using non-milk ingredients such as vegetable oils, starch, and chemicals, rather than pure milk.

Health Secretary and Commissioner, Food Safety and Drug Administration, Vinay Shankar Pandey, issued the order. This directive follows instructions from the chief minister and falls under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Statewide Enforcement and Consequences

The Food Safety Department will conduct a comprehensive statewide inspection drive to ensure compliance with the new ban. This initiative will target various points across the supply chain.

Inspections will focus on dairy units, warehouses, markets, hotels, restaurants, and sweet shops. Any products suspected of being substandard will be collected for rigorous laboratory testing.

Violators of the ban will face severe legal consequences. These include prosecution, immediate product seizure, and the potential cancellation of their licenses to operate.

The government’s measure underscores its commitment to upholding food safety standards. This move is expected to significantly impact the quality of dairy products available to consumers across the state.