Published Aug 22, 2026 | 1:15 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 22, 2026 | 1:15 PM
Paneer (Representational image/ iStock)
Synopsis: A product prepared in the form of paneer by wholly or partially replacing milk fat or milk solids with vegetable oil, vegetable fat or other non-dairy ingredients is considered analogue or non-dairy paneer. Such a product shall not be labelled, marketed, sold or represented to consumers as “paneer”.
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.
“The said notification shall remain in force throughout the State of Karnataka for a period of one year from the date of its issuance,” it read, adding, “The order has been issued under Sections 30(2)(a), 18 and 29 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. As per Regulation 2.1.16 of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, Paneer is a standardized food product prepared from milk. Milk fat is a key constituent of Paneer, and the replacement of milk fat with, or use of vegetable oil, vegetable fat or other non-dairy ingredients in place of milk components is not permitted.”
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A product prepared in the form of paneer by wholly or partially replacing milk fat or milk solids with vegetable oil, vegetable fat or other non-dairy ingredients is considered analogue or non-dairy paneer. Such a product shall not be labelled, marketed, sold or represented to consumers as “paneer”.
The notification said that Karnataka has tested several paneer samples and found that there is no adulteration.
“Even though there is no adulteration of paneer with vegetable oil, vegetable fat or other dairy ingredients the prohibition is done in the interest of public health so that these products should not be used or stored or supplied or sold or transported.”
The notification, however, further stated, that the prohibition applies only to dairy analogue products for which specific quality standards have not been prescribed or standardized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Further, no Food Business Operator shall use, store, supply or sell Analogue / Non-Dairy Paneer in the preparation or manufacture of any food product or food item.
The Department of Food Safety and Drug Administration will take necessary measures across the State for the effective implementation and enforcement of this order. The public and all Food Business Operators are hereby advised to strictly comply with the provisions of the said order.
“The order shall not apply to standardized food products such as Frozen Dessert, Processed Cheese and Mixed Fat Spread, which are already covered under separate prescribed standards.” it clarified.
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(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Sumit Jha)
