Analogue Paneer Banned in Maharashtra: Manufacture and Sale Prohibited, Violators Face Jail and Fine
Maharashtra has banned the manufacture, sale and distribution of analogue or non-dairy paneer across the state, with violations punishable under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The ban aims to curb the sale of fake dairy products and follows a wider crackdown on adulterated food items. Offenders may face up to six months in jail and a fine of INR 1 lakh.
Maharashtra has imposed a complete ban on the manufacture, sale and distribution of analogue or non-dairy paneer, making it the second state after Chhattisgarh to prohibit the product. The order aims to prevent the sale of fake and adulterated dairy products and protect consumers from being misled about the quality and origin of paneer.
The ban order, issued by Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, prohibits the manufacture, processing, packing, storage, transportation, wholesale and retail sale, distribution and offering for sale of analogue paneer across Maharashtra, Lokmat reported. Why Is Maharashtra FDA Targeting Restaurants? Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe Explains.
Maharashtra FDA Bans Analogue Paneer, Violations May Attract Jail and Fine
Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, violations of the ban can lead to imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of up to INR 1 lakh, depending on the severity of the offence. In cases where consumption of unsafe food results in death, the law provides for life imprisonment and a minimum fine of INR 10 lakh.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that selling analogue paneer as genuine dairy paneer would be considered misleading consumers and an unfair trade practice under food safety regulations. Strict legal action will be initiated against individuals and establishments found involved in such practices, the FDA said. Tukaram Mundhe-Led FDA Halts Operations at 2 Bombay High Court Canteens After 'Inspect Government-Run Cafeterias' Order.
What Is Analogue Paneer?
Analogue paneer is generally made using vegetable fats, oils and other non-dairy ingredients instead of milk fat. While these products may resemble traditional paneer in appearance and texture, authorities have raised concerns when they are sold as genuine dairy paneer without proper disclosure.
The ban covers all major activities associated with such products, including manufacturing, storage, transportation and retail sale.
Crackdown Follows Fake Dairy Product Raids
The Maharashtra government's decision comes amid an intensified enforcement drive against adulterated dairy products across the state. A statewide operation targeting synthetic milk and fake paneer manufacturing units has been underway since May, leading to multiple raids and seizures.
In one major action at a godown in Pune's Manjari Khurd, authorities uncovered an alleged fake paneer manufacturing operation and seized around 1,400 kg of the product.
Officials also confiscated 1,800 kg of skimmed milk powder, 400 kg of glycerol monostearate (GMS) powder and 718 litres of palm oil, along with other materials allegedly used in the production of fake dairy products.
Maharashtra Steps Up Food Safety Inspections
The ban comes as Maharashtra continues inspections of restaurants, hotels and food establishments across Mumbai and other parts of the state.
The enforcement campaign has resulted in several closures and licence cancellations involving establishments found violating food safety standards.
Officials said the latest measures are part of efforts to improve food quality monitoring and prevent the sale of unsafe or misleading food products.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 05, 2026 10:27 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
