After Maharashtra, Gujarat Bans Non-Dairy Analogue Paneer

After Maharashtra imposed a one-year ban on analogue paneer, Gujarat has now followed suit. State Health Minister Praful Pansheriya stated that Gujarat has also banned the manufacture, sale and distribution of analogue paneer, stepping up action against products allegedly sold as regular dairy paneer.

Gujarat Follows Maharashtra's Lead

The announcement comes after Maharashtra prohibited analogue paneer on Wednesday, making it one of the first states to act against the non-dairy substitute. With Gujarat now adopting a similar measure, authorities are tightening scrutiny on food businesses selling imitation paneer.

Gujarat’s Paneer Problem

In recent years, Gujarat has seen a number of food safety raids seizing suspected analogue paneer from the establishment across the state.

In April this year, the Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA) destroyed 703 kg of paneer during a six-day statewide food safety drive.

Officials inspected 2,527 establishments, including hotels, restaurants, dhabas and manufacturing units. As many as 270 establishments were issued notices, 18 units were sealed and 95 samples were collected for testing. Fines totalling ₹2.84 lakh were also imposed.

In a separate case, 1,401 kg of paneer seized from a unit in Surat's Pandesara area was declared substandard following laboratory tests. Officials reportedly found vegetable oil and traces of industrial acid instead of natural milk fat.

The stock was seized during a joint raid by the Surat Municipal Corporation and the Special Operations Group at Amrut Milk Product in Bhidbhanjan Society, Pandesara, on March 3. Machinery worth ₹28.44 lakh was also seized.

In Ahmedabad, the AMC food department seized 244 kg of suspected substandard paneer worth around ₹67,000. A food unit was also sealed after officials found paneer substitute being used without disclosure on its menu.

What Is Analogue Paneer?

Analogue paneer is a non-dairy alternative made using ingredients such as vegetable oils, starches, emulsifiers and other additives instead of milk fat. It is cheaper to produce than conventional paneer and generally contains lower levels of protein.

Action Against Misleading Sales

Food safety authorities have raised concerns that analogue paneer is often served in hotels, restaurants and catering establishments as regular dairy paneer without informing consumers.

Officials say selling analogue paneer as conventional paneer amounts to misleading consumers and violates food safety norms. Businesses found violating the ban could face strict action under applicable food safety laws.

Crackdown on Synthetic Dairy Products

The move is part of a broader crackdown on imitation dairy products. Earlier, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had initiated steps to tighten regulations on synthetic paneer and similar products across the country after concerns over consumer deception and food quality.

Also read: Maharashtra Bans ‘Analogue Paneer’ For One Year Over Food Safety Concerns