FSSAI Proposes Ban on ‘Paneer’ Label for Non-Milk Products, Here’s What New Rule Means

If the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) proposal is approved, consumers may soon be able to identify whether a product labelled as paneer is actually made from milk. The food regulator has proposed that products made from non-milk ingredients should not be allowed to use the term ‘paneer’ on their packaging, labels or in marketing.

The draft proposal was notified on September 22, 2026, as part of efforts to improve food safety and prevent consumers from being misled about the nature and composition of dairy products.

What Is Analogue Paneer?

Analogue paneer is different from traditional paneer. While real paneer is made from milk using an acidic agent, analogue products can contain ingredients such as vegetable oils, starches, emulsifiers and other additives.

Under the proposed amendment, products currently licensed or registered under the ‘Analogue in Dairy Context’ category would no longer be permitted to use the word ‘paneer’ in their product name, labelling or marketing. FSSAI Initiates Legal Action Against Nestle India Over Baby Food Promotional Claims and Biotin Quality.

FSSAI Proposes Ban on ‘Paneer’ Label for Non-Milk Products

The proposal aims to ensure that products made using non-milk ingredients are not marketed in a way that could make consumers believe they are buying conventional paneer.

FSSAI Invites Objections

FSSAI has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders on the draft proposal. Submissions can be sent to the Chief Executive Officer, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi-110002, or emailed to regulation@fssai.gov.in.

The draft regulations will be considered after 60 days from the date the notification is made available to the public through the Official Gazette. FSSAI Suspends Licence of Paradise Distilleries for 15 Days; Here's Why.

Maharashtra Already Has Analogue Labelling Rules

The proposal comes months after the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration issued a directive in April requiring restaurants, hotels, caterers and fast food outlets to clearly disclose when cheese analogue or dairy analogue products are used instead of real paneer or cheese.

Under the Maharashtra directive, the disclosure is required on menus, display boards and bills, helping customers know whether a dish contains an analogue dairy product.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2026 08:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).