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FSSAI Proposes Nationwide Ban on Analogue Paneer Labeling

By Drooid · · How we work

Core Proposal

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011. The amendment would prohibit the use of the term “paneer” for products whose ingredients are not derived from milk. Analogue paneer—formulated with vegetable oils, fats, proteins or starches to mimic the texture and appearance of traditional dairy paneer—must be identified with a different name on menus, packaging and marketing materials. Existing products licensed under the “Analogue in Dairy Context” category would be required to discontinue the use of “paneer” in their nomenclature, labelling or promotion.

ThePrintFSSAI moves to ban manufacture, sale of analogue paneer nationwide The Indian ExpressFSSAI proposes to ban analogue paneer, notifies draft amendments FSSAI proposes to ban 'paneer' label for substitute products, ensure strict disclosure CNBC TV18FSSAI may bar 'analogue' products from using 'paneer' name. What it means for buyers? CNN-News18

Background & Context

Analogue paneer has become increasingly common in Indian markets, prompting consumer-confusion concerns. Several state food safety administrations have already imposed bans on the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of such products. The states that have enacted at least a one-year prohibition include Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration issued its statewide ban on July 30.

FSSAI proposes to ban analogue paneer, notifies draft amendments

Timeline

Timeline
Date (occurred)Event
July 30Maharashtra FDA bans manufacture, processing, packing, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of analogue or non-dairy paneer.
Post-notificationA 60-day public consultation period is opened for stakeholders and the general public to submit objections or suggestions.
ThePrintFSSAI may bar 'analogue' products from using 'paneer' name. What it means for buyers? FSSAI moves to ban manufacture, sale of analogue paneer nationwide FSSAI proposes single-phase food warning labels, gives industry one-year transition time

Data & Statistics

  • Eight states have already implemented bans on analogue paneer (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand).
FSSAI proposes to ban analogue paneer, notifies draft amendments
  • The draft amendment targets all food business operators—including hotels, restaurants, catering services and digital food aggregators—requiring prominent disclosure of any analogue paneer used on menus and packaging.
FSSAI proposes to ban 'paneer' label for substitute products, ensure strict disclosure

Official Statements & Responses

  • FSSAI’s West Region previously directed food businesses not to sell cheese analogue as paneer and instructed establishments to disclose such use on menus or display boards. The current draft expands that directive to a pan-India level.
ThePrint

What’s Next

Stakeholders have 60 days from the date the draft appears in the Official Gazette to submit comments. The FSSAI has indicated that it will consider all representations before finalising the amendment. If approved, the prohibition will apply nationwide, requiring manufacturers and retailers to relabel or rename analogue paneer products in compliance with the new regulations.

CNBC TV18