Bhopal, Aug. 12 -- The Madhya Pradesh government on Wednesday banned the production, sale and use of analog paneer, citing health concerns and seeking to promote natural dairy products, officials said.

Chief minister Mohan Yadav announced the decision during a meeting with officials of the food and civil supplies department.

Madhya Pradesh became the fourth state after Maharashtra, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh to ban analog paneer. The product is made as a cheaper substitute for natural-milk paneer, using vegetable fats and starch either in place of milk or mixed with it. Its production and consumption have increased because of its lower price.

"We are banning analog paneer in Madhya Pradesh, just as other states have done. We will boost n...