Is the ‘cheese’ in your pizza and burger real or fake?

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

Have you ever wondered whether the ‘cheese’ or ‘paneer’ in the pizza or burger you enjoy is actually genuine? In many cases, consumers are misled by the use of artificial “cheese analogue” instead of real cheese. Hotels and restaurants have been made legally bound to clearly mention on their menu cards if artificial cheese is being used in food preparation. The state’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an important directive in this regard, and its implementation has begun in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

There have been complaints from public representatives that many hotels, caterers, and fast-food vendors across the state were widely using cheaper “cheese analogue” instead of real cheese or paneer while preparing food. Since customers were not informed about this, it amounted to a form of deception. Taking serious note of this, the FDA has issued strict orders.

Administrative guidelines:

If any hotel or fast-food centre uses “cheese analogue,” it must clearly mention it on the menu card. Consumers have the right to know the ingredients in the food they consume. Manufacturers and suppliers of cheese analogue are also required to clearly label their products as “cheese analogue” on packaging and invoices. Strict action will be taken against anyone who sells artificial paneer or cheese as if it were genuine.

“ Providing information about nutritional values and ingredients while selling food is mandatory by law. Establishments violating this rule will face strict action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

— Dayanand Patil, assistant commissioner, FDA

Instructions to hotel owners:

To implement this order, the Joint Commissioner (Food) of the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division has launched a campaign. Restaurants, hotels, and fast-food vendors in the city are being informed about these rules. Meetings are being held with hotel associations, their presidents, and secretaries to ensure strict compliance.

This move will help consumers know exactly what they are eating and will curb practices that could harm public health.