Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 7: Raising concerns over food safety and consumer protection, Hindu Rashtra Shakti has urged the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to launch a special inspection drive to verify the quality and authenticity of paneer sold across the Islands. The organisation has sought strict action against food establishments found selling analogue paneer as genuine dairy paneer without informing consumers.
In a memorandum submitted to the Administration, Rajesh Majumdar, State Vice President of Hindu Rashtra Shakti, said ensuring the availability of safe and genuine food products is one of the Administration’s primary responsibilities. He stated that the alleged sale of analogue, or imitation, paneer as genuine dairy paneer required immediate attention and appropriate action.
The memorandum stated that reports from several parts of the country indicate that analogue paneer is being sold and served as genuine dairy paneer without proper disclosure to consumers. It said such practices, if left unchecked, could compromise food safety, violate consumer rights and pose a serious risk to public health.
The organisation requested the Administration to direct the Food Safety Department to conduct a special inspection drive covering bakeries, hotels, restaurants, sweet shops and other food establishments across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It also sought regular collection of food samples and laboratory testing to verify compliance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules framed under it.
The memorandum further urged the Administration to ensure that all food business operators using analogue or imitation paneer clearly disclose the nature of the product to consumers. It also called for strict legal action against establishments found misbranding or selling analogue paneer as genuine dairy paneer in violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act and other applicable regulations.
Highlighting the Islands’ dependence on imported food products, the organisation stressed the need for continuous market surveillance, periodic inspections, consumer awareness campaigns and strict enforcement of food safety standards. It said these measures were necessary to safeguard the health and interests of both residents and tourists visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The memorandum concluded with a request for the Administration to direct the concerned authorities to undertake a comprehensive inspection and ensure that only safe, genuine and properly labelled food products are available for sale across the Islands.
