NHRC Seeks Answers On Analogue Paneer Manufacture

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) bench, led by Priyank Kanoongo, has taken notice of the manufacture, licensing, sale, and consumption of analogue paneer. The commission has directed concerned authorities to submit Action Taken Reports within two weeks of receipt of the notices.

The NHRC has sought to examine the regulatory and nutritional justification for permitting a product substantially different from conventional milk-derived paneer to be manufactured and sold as a paneer substitute. The commission has asked the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to provide detailed clarification on the regulatory status of analogue paneer, its permissible composition, nutritional implications, health concerns, applicable standards, and testing methodology.

The NHRC has also sought clarification on scientific methods for distinguishing milk-derived paneer from products containing vegetable oils/fats and other non-milk ingredients. The commission has asked about the relevance of beta-sitosterol as a testing parameter.

Furthermore, the NHRC has sought information from the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories regarding the manufacture, supply, sale, and serving of analogue paneer. This includes inspections, sampling, violations, and enforcement action.

The commission has also sought to ascertain whether consumers are being given clear and adequate information about the identity, composition, and nutritional characteristics of such products. This is to ensure that consumers are able to make an informed choice.

The matter came before the commission on the basis of a complaint filed by the Advanced Study Institute of Asia (ASIA), Centre for Health Equity. The complaint was accompanied by a report titled “Analogue Paneer in India: A Food-Systems Threat to Health Equity.” The commission considered the issues raised in the complaint and the accompanying report while taking cognizance of the matter.

In a related development, the state of Madhya Pradesh has banned the manufacture, sale, and storage of analogue paneer with immediate effect. This move is likely to have significant implications for the food industry and consumers.

The NHRC's move to seek answers on analogue paneer manufacture and sale is a significant step towards ensuring food safety and protecting consumer rights. The commission's actions are expected to have a positive impact on the food industry and consumers in the long run.

In conclusion, the NHRC's decision to take notice of the analogue paneer issue is a welcome move. The commission's efforts to seek clarification and ensure food safety are likely to benefit consumers and the food industry as a whole.