In a first, FDA raids Bandra’s Otters Club for using ‘analog paneer’, suspends licence

The food safety body said the Otters Club was preparing various paneer dishes using this banned substitute.

“We had received a complaint about lack of hygiene at its restaurant, following which our team conducted an inspection,” said an FDA official. “Among the key lapses at the premises was the presence of analogue paneer. We found it there, even though we can’t ascertain whether it was being used or not.”

FDA banned analog paneer

Earlier, Maharashtra food safety regulator had banned the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of “analogue” or non-dairy paneer across the state for one year. The order has also directed hotels, restaurants, caterers and cloud kitchens to stop using the vegetable-fat substitute in place of genuine paneer.

The order, issued by Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and published in the state gazette on July 30, takes effect immediately and will remain in force for one year.

This is the latest in a series of actions taken against Mumbai’s prestigious clubs.

Late last month, food licences of establishments at the Cricket Club of India (CCI), RK Juhu Gymkhana, Aparna Juhu Gymkhana, MIG Cricket Club and Willingdon Sports Club were suspended by the FDA. The food safety regulator also issued a stop-business notice to a restaurant at Goregaon Sports Club in Malad West.