8 states have acted. Now, food regulator may ban analogue paneer across India

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is contemplating a nationwide ban on analogue paneer, a non-dairy product made from vegetable oil, fats, and vegetable proteins instead of milk constituents. Eight states, including Karnataka, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, have already banned analogue paneer. The controversy arose after social media posts about "fake paneer" served at a Mumbai restaurant owned by Gauri Khan, wife of actor Shah Rukh Khan.

FSSAI is examining whether analogue paneer should clearly state it is "non-dairy" and list its ingredients, such as 'analogue of cheese (milk solids, refined palm oil, hydrogenated vegetable fat, modified starch, emulsifier)'. The regulator is also debating whether menu cards should specify if the paneer or cheese is "non-dairy" or "analogue".

The FSSAI's dairy products standard requires paneer to be made from milk and milk solids, while vegetable-oil based paneer is not permitted. The regulator is also considering permitting the sale of vegetable-oil based paneer under a different name or registering all manufacturers of dairy analogues.