Published Aug 31, 2026 | 2:44 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 31, 2026 | 2:44 PM
Zomato said the move is a "consumer-first step," driven by its "commitment to transparency and food quality."
Synopsis: Zomato has introduced a zero-tolerance policy against dishes made with analogue dairy products, removing items that contain them from the platform with immediate effect. Restaurants have been asked to switch to natural dairy products or remove affected dishes, verify ingredient labels and declarations, and ensure accurate menu information. Non-compliant restaurants may be delisted.
Online food delivery platform Zomato has announced a zero-tolerance policy against the sale of dishes containing analogue dairy products. It has announced that the policy takes effect immediately, with all dishes made using analogue dairy products already removed from the platform. Zomato has also warned the restaurants of delisting if they don’t switch to natural ingredients or remove such dishes from their menu if an immediate switch is not viable.
In a press release issued on Monday, August 31, Zomato said the move is a “consumer-first step,” driven by its “commitment to transparency and food quality.”
Analogue dairy products are foods developed to replicate the taste, texture, appearance or functional properties of conventional dairy products, while using ingredients other than milk or milk-derived components.
They may be made from plant-based oils, proteins, starches, emulsifiers and other ingredients, depending on the product and its intended use. Common examples include alternatives designed to resemble paneer, cheese, cream, butter and other milk-based products. Analogue dairy products are not inherently unsafe, but their nutritional composition and ingredients can differ significantly from conventional dairy products.
In its statement, Zomato said the policy builds on the food delivery platform’s “broader focus on healthier food choices and greater transparency for customers, consistent with applicable regulatory requirements.”
It directed the restaurants using its platform to take immediate corrective actions: transitioning to natural dairy products; removing items containing analogue dairy products from the menu, in case an immediate transition is not feasible; and reviewing product labels and ingredient declarations provided by suppliers to verify the ingredients being used and ensure accurate representation of the products listed on Zomato.
The platform stated that it reserved the right to remove dishes listed on its platform in violation of the policy.
“At Zomato, our core mission is better food for more people, and that means safeguarding customer health and upholding clear standards for what’s listed and served by our restaurant partners. This policy reflects that commitment, one we’re taking together with partners who share it,” said Zomato CEO Aditya Mangla.
Notably, the move comes just days after the Karnataka government banned the production and sale of paneer made from analogue dairy products.
The notification was issued by the Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration on August 17, 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.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
