Mumbai, Aug. 5 -- Maharashtra has imposed a complete ban on the manufacture, sale, storage, transportation and distribution of analogue (artificial/non-dairy) cheese, prioritising public health. With this decision, Maharashtra becomes the second state after Chhattisgarh to implement such a ban, with violations attracting imprisonment and heavy fines.

According to an order issued on July 30 by Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, the manufacture, processing, packaging, storage, transportation, wholesale and retail sale, and offering for sale of analogue or non-dairy cheese in the state have been prohibited with immediate effect.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has clarified that if any individual or establishment sells analogu...