Published Sep 11, 2026 | 7:12 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 11, 2026 | 7:12 PM
Paneer (Representational image/ iStock)
Synopsis: According to the order, the prohibition applies to non-dairy/artificial or analogue paneer being manufactured, stored, distributed or sold as “paneer” or otherwise. The government has also prohibited the transportation of such products, effectively covering the supply chain from manufacture to sale.
After Karnataka, Telangana government also has prohibited the manufacture, processing, packing, storage, distribution and sale of non-dairy, artificial or analogue paneer across the state, citing public health concerns.
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 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.
The Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) announced the decision in a press note issued on 11 September.
According to the order, the prohibition applies to non-dairy/artificial or analogue paneer being manufactured, stored, distributed or sold as “paneer” or otherwise. The government has also prohibited the transportation of such products, effectively covering the supply chain from manufacture to sale.
The Commissioner of Food Safety issued the prohibition by exercising powers under the Food Safety and Standards Act, stating that the measure was being taken “in the interest of public health.”
TG SAFE has directed that the notification be disseminated through print and electronic media to inform the public about the ban.
Also Read: Karnataka imposes one year ban on analogue 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.”
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Sumit Jha)
