Published Sep 24, 2026 | 6:17 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 24, 2026 | 6:17 PM
Paneer (Representational image/ iStock)
Synopsis: FSSAI has proposed an amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, that would force products currently licensed or registered under the ‘Analogue in Dairy Context’ category to stop using the word “Paneer” in their product names, labels and marketing.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has moved to stop manufacturers from selling analogue dairy products as “paneer”, saying the practice can mislead consumers about the product’s nature and composition.
FSSAI has proposed an amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, that would force products currently licensed or registered under the ‘Analogue in Dairy Context’ category to stop using the word “Paneer” in their product names, labels and marketing.
“The amendment is proposed in the following regulation to restrict manufacturing and sale of analogue product as paneer so as to prevent misleading of consumer’s regarding the nature and composition of the product,” FSSAI said in its notification dated 22 September.
The food regulator added: “Products already licensed or registered under ‘Analogue in Dairy Context’ category shall discontinue the use of the term ‘Paneer’ in their nomenclature, labelling or marketing.”
Also Read: Karnataka imposes one year ban on analogue paneer
FSSAI moves to ban ‘analogue paneer’
The draft amendment also proposes inserting a new clause into Regulation 2.1.1 of the 2011 regulations.
The proposed clause states: “(12) paneer made from milk.”
The move would distinguish genuine paneer made from milk from analogue products that may use other ingredients to replicate the characteristics of dairy products.
FSSAI has invited objections and suggestions on the draft amendment. Stakeholders and members of the public can submit their comments to the Chief Executive Officer, FSSAI, within 60 days from the date on which copies of the notification are made available to the public.
The proposed rules are titled the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Amendment Regulations, 2026.
The notification was issued by Rajit Punhani, Chief Executive Officer, FSSAI, on September 22.
Earlier, Karnataka and Telangana governments also have prohibited the manufacture, processing, packing, storage, distribution and sale of non-dairy, artificial or analogue paneer across the states, citing public health concerns.
In Telangana, the order was issued by the Commissioner of Food Safety, Telangana, under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The prohibition came into effect from 10 September, 2026, and will remain in force for one year. The order has been notified in the official gazette as Gazette Notification No. 807, dated September 10, 2026.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Food Safety Division of the Department of Food Safety and Drug Administration on 17 August issued a notification prohibiting the manufacture, processing, packing, storage, distribution, transportation, wholesale and retail sale, display for sale and supply of analogue or non-dairy paneer being sold under the name “paneer” in the state for a period of one year, with a view to safeguarding public health and protecting the interests of consumers.
Also Read: Telangana bans manufacture, sale of analogue ‘paneer’ for one year
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Sumit Jha)
