Nationwide Ban on Analogue Paneer? FSSAI Mulls Countrywide Prohibition As States Act

Analogue paneer could soon face a nationwide prohibition, with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) considering a move against the non-dairy substitute. FSSAI CEO Rajit Punhani told Navbharat Times that the issue has become a concern across the country and that a decision to completely prohibit its use could be announced soon.

The possible nationwide action comes as several states have already moved to restrict or ban analogue paneer, Navbharat Times reported. Punjab is the latest, imposing a one-year ban on its manufacture, processing, packing, storage, transportation, distribution and sale. Karnataka also imposed a one-year ban earlier this month. Analogue Paneer Banned in Maharashtra: Manufacture and Sale Prohibited, Violators Face Jail and Fine.

What Is Analogue Paneer?

Analogue paneer is a non-dairy product that resembles traditional paneer but uses ingredients such as vegetable oils or fats and other non-milk constituents in place of milk fat or milk solids.

Unlike conventional paneer, which is a standardised milk product, analogue paneer uses non-dairy ingredients to replicate characteristics of the traditional product. The issue has gained attention over concerns surrounding product identity, labelling, composition and consumer information. More Sugar in Fanta, Palm Oil in Maggi: Reuters Report Reveals How Coca-Cola, Nestle and Others Lobbied Against Red Warning Labels in India.

FSSAI Already Restricts Misleading Labelling

FSSAI has already clarified that cheese analogue cannot be sold as “paneer”.

In April, the regulator directed food businesses to use accurate product names and disclose the use of cheese analogues on menus where applicable. A public notice issued by FSSAI's West Region said cheese analogue sold as “paneer” constitutes a violation and directed businesses to ensure accurate and unambiguous product naming.

This means the current regulatory position and the proposed nationwide prohibition are separate developments. FSSAI has already acted on misleading naming, while a broader ban on analogue paneer is now under consideration.

Which States Have Already Banned Analogue Paneer?

Several states have moved ahead with restrictions or bans, as concerns over misleading labelling and food safety have grown.

The states that have taken action include:

• Maharashtra
• Gujarat
• Chhattisgarh
• Madhya Pradesh
• Himachal Pradesh
• Uttarakhand
• Karnataka
• Punjab

The list has expanded in recent weeks, with Karnataka and Punjab among the latest states to impose restrictions.

Punjab Imposes One-Year Ban

Punjab is the latest state to impose a one-year ban on analogue paneer.

The state's Food and Drug Administration issued an order prohibiting the manufacture, processing, preparation, packing, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of analogue or non-dairy paneer across the state. The order took immediate effect and is scheduled to remain in force for one year unless modified, extended or rescinded in accordance with law.

The order covers products described as “Analogue Paneer”, “Non-Dairy Paneer”, “Vegan Paneer”, “Synthetic Paneer” and “Plant-based Paneer”, among similar descriptions, when such products are represented or marketed as “Paneer”.

Karnataka Also Moves Against Non-Dairy Paneer

Karnataka imposed a one-year ban on the manufacture, processing, storage, transportation and sale of analogue or non-dairy paneer being sold as “paneer”.

The order issued on August 17 said such products do not meet the regulatory definition of paneer, which is a standardised food product prepared from milk. The restriction also applies to food businesses using analogue paneer in dishes.

Maharashtra had also prohibited the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of analogue or non-dairy paneer for one year, while directing hotels, restaurants, caterers and cloud kitchens to stop using it.

What Did FSSAI CEO Rajit Punhani Say?

FSSAI CEO Rajit Punhani also discussed several other food safety concerns in his interview.

• Unsafe Food Can Lead To Criminal Action

More than 100 people have been sent to jail since January this year in cases involving unsafe food, according to the information provided by Punhani.

• Ultra-Processed Foods

FSSAI has prepared a draft framework using fat, salt and sugar levels to identify ultra-processed foods, and stakeholders have been given 60 days to submit their views.

• Front-Of-Pack Warnings

Work is underway on warning labels for packaged foods, while QR codes could provide consumers with more detailed product information.

• Online Food Sales

E-commerce platforms have been asked to display manufacturing and expiry dates, with companies given until September 30 to make the required changes.

• Food Influencers

FSSAI can act against misleading health claims, such as incorrectly describing a product as “100% honey” or making unsupported “healthy” claims.

• Food Adulteration Complaints

Consumers can use the Food Safety Connect app to report suspected adulteration and upload photographs of the product.

What A Nationwide Ban Could Mean

A nationwide prohibition would extend the restrictions already introduced by individual states and could affect manufacturers, food-service businesses, distributors and retailers dealing in analogue paneer.

For consumers, the regulatory focus is also on ensuring that non-dairy products are not presented as conventional paneer. FSSAI's existing directions require accurate naming and disclosure where cheese analogues are used.

The National Human Rights Commission has separately sought information from food safety authorities on the regulation, testing, safety and nutritional aspects of analogue paneer amid the growing number of state-level bans.

A nationwide ban on analogue paneer has not yet been announced. FSSAI CEO Rajit Punhani has indicated that the regulator is considering such a move as more states introduce restrictions. For now, consumers should distinguish between conventional milk-based paneer and non-dairy alternatives, while food businesses are required to follow applicable labelling and food-safety rules.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 28, 2026 06:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).