The Gujarat government has imposed a statewide ban on the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of unauthorised analogue paneer, cheese and butter, citing concerns over public health and consumer protection. The ban came into effect on Thursday, with the state warning of strict action against violators under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The decision follows inspections and laboratory testing by the Gujarat Food and Drug Regulatory Authority, which found that products resembling dairy items were being manufactured using vegetable oils and other non-dairy ingredients instead of milk.