Analogue Paneer
Why in News?
- Analogue Paneer is in the news because Maharashtra (August 2026) has imposed a one-year ban on the manufacture, storage, transport, distribution and sale of unstandardised analogue (non-dairy) paneer following food safety concerns and consumer deception.
- Gujarat has also announced a statewide ban on analogue paneer, butter and cheese, while food safety authorities across several states have intensified raids against products falsely sold as dairy paneer.
What is Analogue Paneer?
- Analogue Paneer is a non-dairy substitute that resembles conventional paneer in appearance and texture but is not made entirely from milk.
- It is generally prepared using vegetable oils/fats, starch, emulsifiers, stabilisers and food additives, instead of milk fat and milk proteins.
- It is significantly cheaper to produce than traditional dairy paneer, making it attractive for commercial food businesses.
- It is legally permitted only when correctly labelled as an analogue product and not misrepresented as milk paneer.
FSSAI Guidelines
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed that cheese analogues must never be sold as "paneer."
- Manufacturers and food service establishments must ensure clear and accurate labelling of analogue products.
- Misbranding analogue products as dairy paneer constitutes a violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Concerns
- Consumers often cannot visually distinguish analogue paneer from real paneer.
- Unlabelled analogue products may reduce nutritional intake while misleading buyers.
- Widespread use in the hospitality sector makes enforcement challenging.
- Lack of awareness among consumers and small food businesses.
