Goa, Aug. 8 -- The Uttarakhand government has imposed an immediate statewide ban on imitation and substandard dairy products, including products sold as paneer, ghee, butter and other dairy items despite not being genuine milk-based products.

The order, issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, aims to protect consumers and ensure the availability of safe and quality food.

The ban covers imitation dairy products made using ingredients such as vegetable oils, starch and chemicals instead of milk. Regular milk-based dairy products are not affected.

Following the order, the Food Safety Department will conduct inspections at dairy units, warehouses, markets, hotels, restaurants and sweet shops. Suspected products will be collec...