FSSAI Proposes Nationwide Restrictions On Analogue Paneer, Bars Use Of ‘Paneer’ Label

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed restricting the manufacture and sale of non-dairy analogue products as paneer across the country.

FSSAI Moves To Restrict Analogue Paneer

The proposal is part of the draft Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Amendment Regulations, 2026, published in the Gazette of India.

FSSAI has proposed adding “paneer made of constituents not derived from milk” to the list of foods whose sale would be restricted under the regulations.

The move is aimed at preventing consumers from being misled about the nature and composition of products sold as paneer.

‘Paneer’ Name To Be Discontinued For Analogue Products

Under the proposed amendment, products already licensed or registered under the “Analogue in Dairy Context” category would have to discontinue using the term “Paneer” in their product names, labels and marketing.

The proposal would affect food businesses that manufacture, supply or sell dairy analogue products while presenting them as traditional milk-based paneer.

FSSAI’s proposed restrictions follow growing regulatory scrutiny of products made using non-dairy ingredients that resemble conventional dairy products.

States Have Already Taken Action

Several states have introduced restrictions on analogue paneer. Karnataka, for instance, imposed a one-year ban in August on the manufacture, processing, storage, distribution and sale of analogue or non-dairy paneer marketed as paneer.

Gujarat and Maharashtra are also among the states that have taken action against such products, amid concerns over labelling and consumer awareness.

FSSAI’s West Region had earlier directed centrally licensed manufacturers and food service establishments to ensure that cheese analogues were not sold or served as paneer.

Public Can Submit Objections

The proposed regulations have been issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, with the approval of the Central Government.

FSSAI has invited objections and suggestions on the draft. The proposed regulations will be considered after 60 days from the date the relevant Official Gazette is made available to the public.

If approved, the changes would establish a nationwide regulatory framework governing the use of the term “paneer” for products that do not derive their constituents from milk.