Zomato has announced a ban on the use of analogue dairy products in dishes offered by restaurants on its platform. This zero-tolerance policy, unveiled on Monday, aims to enforce the removal of any restaurant that does not comply with the guidelines. The new regulations are effective immediately, and dishes had already identified as containing analogue dairy have been taken off the platform.

This move follows an increasing concern regarding the use of analogue paneer and other dairy substitutes throughout India. States including Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh have already imposed bans on the production and sale of these substitutes.

Despite what seems to be a straightforward approach, many users on social media are questioning the efficacy of self-declaration by restaurants. The concern is whether restaurants will truly report the use of analogue products if it could reduce their sales.

Public Concerns Regarding Compliance

Unagar also queried the methods that Zomato would employ to ascertain the authenticity of dishes, specifically querying how the platform would differentiate between real and analogue paneer in a dish like paneer tikka masala. Her comment reflects widespread uncertainty about the practical aspects of enforcing Zomato’s policy.

Now, the dilemma is on customers to verify the authenticity of paneer themselves. The iodine test has gained popularity among those sceptical about the quality of paneer. Yet, experts have indicated that this method has limitations. It can reliably indicate the presence of starch, but cannot definitively prove if the paneer is fake.

Understanding Analogue Paneer

Analogue paneer is a dairy alternative made by replacing some or all milk components with non-dairy ingredients. This substitute often incorporates less expensive vegetable oils, making it distinct from traditional paneer produced solely from milk. The cost-effectiveness of analogue paneer has contributed to its proliferation in various food products.

With Zomato’s commitment to eliminating analogue products, the key issue remains whether they can effectively monitor and enforce compliance among restaurants. The large number of eateries operating in India raises further questions regarding the feasibility of Zomato’s monitoring systems.

India Today has sought clarification from Zomato regarding the specific verification processes that it will employ to ensure that restaurants adhere to the new regulations. As of now, Zomato has shared no response, but an update will be likely once further information is available. The growing public interest in this issue indicates that consumers are watching closely how Zomato manages its commitment to food integrity.

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