FSSAI Proposes Ban On Selling Non-Milk Products As Paneer; Draft Rules Seek Clear Labelling

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has suggested a ban on the sale of non-milk products labeled as paneer, aiming to prevent consumer deception. The draft regulations, published on September 23, 2023, seek to prohibit the manufacture and sale of "paneer made of constituents not derived from milk." Products already licensed under the "Analogue in Dairy Context" category would need to discontinue using the term "paneer" in their labeling and marketing.

This proposal aims to differentiate conventional milk-based paneer from products made using non-milk ingredients. The move follows increased regulatory scrutiny and consumer concerns. FSSAI's proposal comes after its Western Region directed centrally licensed manufacturers and food-service establishments to clearly disclose the use of cheese analogues on menus or display boards.

However, the latest notification is a draft, inviting stakeholder objections for 60 days before finalization. Maharashtra has also imposed a one-year ban on analogue paneer, following testing where 35.4% of samples failed to meet standards.