Zomato Bans Analogue Cheese, Paneer And Dairy Products, Warns Restaurants Of Delisting

Food delivery giant Zomato has implemented a stringent zero-tolerance policy prohibiting the sale of dishes containing analogue cheese, paneer, and other substitute dairy products. Restaurants listed on its platform that refuse to comply risk being delisted. Analogue dairy products, often made with cheaper vegetable oils instead of conventional milk or dairy ingredients, aim to mimic the look and feel of authentic products.

Zomato immediately removes any identified analogue dairy dishes from its platform. The decision follows heightened food safety scrutiny prompted by Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration and FSSAI inspections in Delhi. Zomato believes the policy will enhance transparency and ensure customers receive accurately described food that meets quality expectations.

The company urges restaurants to transition to natural dairy ingredients where possible, but if not feasible, to remove affected dishes from their menus. Zomato is also urging restaurants to verify product labels and ingredient disclosures supplied by vendors to ensure ingredient accuracy. Restaurants found in violation may face delisting, as well as other penalties under internal policies and applicable laws.

CEO Aditya Mangla emphasized the policy as part of Zomato's commitment to customer protection and maintaining strict food standards through its platform, placing the onus on restaurant partners to accurately disclose ingredients and comply with food safety regulations.