FSSAI proposes ban on non-milk products being sold as paneer

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a draft amendment proposing restrictions on the sale of analogue dairy products under the name 'paneer'. The amendment, published on 22 September 2026, seeks to prohibit the manufacture, sale and marketing of non-milk analogue products as paneer to protect consumers from being misled about product composition.

Under the proposal, products currently licensed or registered as 'Analogue in Dairy Context' would be required to discontinue using the term 'paneer' in their nomenclature, labelling and marketing. The amendment proposes to insert a new clause in the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, stipulating that only products derived from milk can be marketed as paneer.

The FSSAI has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders within 60 days from 23 September 2026. Submissions can be made to the CEO at FSSAI headquarters in New Delhi or via email at regulation@fssai.gov.in.