The BJP MLA from Shrigonda assembly constituency had even carried pieces of analogue paneer and real paneer, which he handed over to the speaker of the state assembly, asking him if he could differentiate between the real and fake ones. Pachpute’s demand got a positive response from deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, who also termed it a “serious issue” and assured that he would take all the necessary action in this regard.

During the calling attention motion, Pachpute claimed, “Seventy percent of all the paneer and cheese that we eat is not real. It is a very serious issue, and stern action is needed to stop this artificial product, which is leading to serious diseases such as cancer and liver cirrhosis.”

Pachpute informed the assembly that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had allowed the sale of analogue cheese and analogue paneer on the condition that both products were labelled properly, which, he claimed, was not happening in the state. “Those selling loose paneer and cheese need to be checked and monitored, for which the concerned department requires laboratories, ample staff and vigilance teams,” he said. “Our borders with neighbouring states should also be checked to prevent people from bringing the cheese and paneer from other states.”