Pune: Pind Punjab Restaurant’s Licence Suspended By FDA For Using Cheese Analogue Instead Of Paneer
Pune: Pind Punjab Restaurant’s Licence Suspended By FDA For Using Cheese Analogue Instead Of Paneer
Pune, June 25, 2026: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Maharashtra, has suspended the licences of Pune-based restaurant Pind Punjab and Bansal Dairy after an inspection revealed the alleged use and supply of cheese analogue in place of paneer, potentially misleading consumers.
The action was carried out under the FDA’s “Safe Food, Safe Drug, Safe Maharashtra” campaign launched under the guidance of Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe.
Acting on a complaint, FDA officials inspected Pind Punjab, located on Moledina Road in Camp, Pune, on June 22. During the inspection, officials found that the establishment was using cheese analogue instead of paneer in food preparation. The inspection also revealed hygiene-related deficiencies and violations of provisions under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
A sample of the cheese analogue was collected for laboratory analysis, while the remaining stock weighing 12 kg and valued at ₹3,480 was seized and destroyed.
Further investigation traced the supply of the product to Bansal Dairy in Rasta Peth. FDA officials subsequently inspected the dairy and found that it had allegedly supplied cheese analogue to the restaurant as paneer. The product was reportedly being sold in loose, unlabelled form. Officials also found hygiene violations and non-compliance with food safety regulations at the dairy premises.
Samples of loose cheese analogue, paneer and khoa were collected for analysis, while 225 kg of food products worth ₹67,730 were seized.
The FDA stated that it has repeatedly issued advisories to restaurants, hotels, dairies and food vendors, directing them to clearly disclose the use of cheese analogue on menu cards and electronic display boards. Food businesses have also been cautioned against substituting dairy-based paneer with analogue products without informing consumers.
Based on the violations detected, the licences of both Pind Punjab and Bansal Dairy were suspended with immediate effect in the interest of public health and consumer welfare.
In a separate action in Satara district, FDA teams inspected three establishments in Phaltan and seized 3,179 kg of loose edible oil worth ₹4.86 lakh on suspicion of being unapproved or unsafe. Samples have been sent for analysis, and further proceedings are underway under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
FDA officials said special enforcement drives against adulterated, substandard and illegally marketed food products will continue across Maharashtra. Citizens have been urged to report such violations through the FDA’s toll-free helpline: 1800-222-365.
