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

The Maharashtra government has imposed a one-year ban on the manufacture, sale and distribution of “analogue” or non-dairy paneer, citing public health concerns and violations of food safety norms, officials said on Wednesday.

The ban makes Maharashtra the second state after Chhattisgarh to prohibit analogue paneer. Under a recent government order, those violating the restrictions could face stringent penalties, including imprisonment of up to life and a fine of up to ₹10 lakh.

What Is Analogue Paneer?

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

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said several hotels, restaurants, caterers and other food establishments were using analogue paneer instead of conventional dairy paneer without informing consumers through menus, invoices or display boards.

A gazette notification issued by Maharashtra Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe prohibits the manufacture, processing, preparation, packing, storage, distribution, wholesale and retail sale of analogue paneer across the state.

FDA Warns Against Misleading Consumers

An FDA official said the Food Safety and Standards Act allows such prohibitory orders for a maximum period of one year.

The official said analogue paneer has very low nutritional value but added that there was no legal provision to impose a permanent ban on such products.

The FDA has also warned that serving analogue paneer as conventional dairy paneer without informing consumers could amount to an unfair trade practice and invite penal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Synthetic Paneer Under National Scrutiny

The move comes amid efforts to curb the sale of synthetic paneer being marketed as genuine dairy products.

Earlier this year, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) reportedly moved towards restricting the sale of synthetic paneer across the country. A proposal on the issue was approved at a recent FSSAI meeting after being prepared by a high-level committee in October 2025 and finalised in March 2026.

Synthetic paneer can be made with little or no actual milk, with manufacturers using ingredients such as palm oil and milk powder to create a product resembling conventional paneer.

Also Read: Paneer scare in Surat: 1,401 kg seized, lab finds industrial acid traces

Suspected Fake Paneer in Gujarat

The issue has also come under scrutiny in Gujarat. In April, 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.

Also Read: Gujarat hotels, eateries fined for paneer display violations, 615 kg of substandard food destroyed

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.