Uttarakhand Bans Non-Compliant Dairy Products to Ensure Public Health

Significant Action by Uttarakhand Government

Dehradun, August 7 - In a decisive move towards safeguarding public health, the Uttarakhand government announced a ban on non-compliant dairy products and non-dairy items. This includes products like paneer, ghee, and butter that are made using vegetable oils, starch, and chemicals instead of pure milk. The order was issued by Vinay Shankar Pandey, the Health Secretary and Commissioner of the Food Safety and Drug Administration, under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. The ban will take immediate effect across Uttarakhand.

This restriction targets products that mislead consumers by being labeled as paneer, ghee, butter, or other dairy items. Officials stated that this action aligns with the Chief Minister's directive to ensure that there is no compromise on public health and to provide residents with pure, safe, and high-quality food products. Following the ban, the food safety department will launch a special inspection campaign throughout the state, which will include checks at dairy units, warehouses, wholesale and retail markets, hotels, restaurants, and sweet shops.

According to officials, samples of suspicious products will be collected and sent for laboratory testing. Those found violating the regulations will face legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, including product seizures and license revocations.