Mumbai: The state Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has set April 30 as the deadline for restaurants, hotels, caterers and fast food vendors to clearly disclose on menu cards and electronic display boards if dishes are prepared using cheese analogue.The directive, issued by food safety commissioner Shridhar Dubey-Patil, said the enforcement would begin on May 1. Violators will face action under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related rules and regulations. In a press note, FDA said consumers had complained about being misled by outlets using cheese analogue without disclosure. It said some products were being sold under names resembling paneer or cheese, confusing buyers. The note said there are distinctions between paneer and cheese analogue under food safety regulations. Paneer, it said, is made only from milk, while dairy or cheese analogue is made with edible oils, starch, emulsifiers and other non-milk ingredients, although it may resemble paneer or cheese. FDA said analogue products are not harmful, but consumers must have information about ingredients to make informed choices. Complaints can be raised on toll-free number 1800-222-365.FDA also issued orders on installing CCTV cameras to monitor all retail and wholesale drug shops in Mumbai. Its note said Schedule H, H1 and X drugs are easily available to children without a doctor’s prescription. “By consuming them, these children become dependent on the drugs… It is necessary to develop a strong monitoring and reporting system.”
