Jammu, October 30:
Open (unpacked) paneer coming from other states will no longer be sold in the state. This strict step has been taken after the increasing complaints of adulterated paneer.
Of the 52 samples of paneer collected around Diwali, 30 tested positive for the use of vegetable oil.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, only cheese can be sold in which milk fat is present. For storing paneer, the seller has to maintain a temperature between minus four degrees Celsius.
Under the food safety standards, paneer made using lactic acid, citric acid, malic acid, vinegar, glucono delta lactone used in yeast or sour whey will not be sold.
Now it also has to be done for the cheese manufacturer to give a warranty (guarantee of food quality) to the distributor or dealer separately in the bill, cash memo or Form-E. Customers will have to take this bill when buying paneer. With this, action can be taken against the concerned if the sample fails.
Consignments of unadulterated cheese without packing have become a menace to the people. In such a situation, it will be banned. The ban will continue until further orders. — Smita Sethi, Food Safety Commissioner
