FSSAI weighs nationwide ban on analogue paneer as states act
FSSAI is considering a nationwide ban on analogue paneer, a non-dairy substitute made with vegetable oils and proteins, after eight states imposed their own bans.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is considering a nationwide ban on analogue paneer, a non-dairy product in which milk fats and milk proteins are replaced with vegetable oils, fats and vegetable proteins.
A senior official said consultations on a dedicated regulation are under way and a draft is expected to be issued soon. At least eight states, including Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra, have already enforced similar bans at the state level.
The issue drew public attention last year after social media posts alleged that fake paneer was served at a Mumbai restaurant owned by producer and interior designer Gauri Khan.
Following that, the regulator held discussions with stakeholders and sought views on whether foods made with vegetable-oil-based paneer should carry clear labels such as non-dairy and analogue, along with a description of their ingredients. One suggested format cited was analogue of cheese, listing milk solids, refined palm oil, hydrogenated vegetable fat, modified starch and emulsifier.
FSSAI already requires restaurants to disclose details of the foods they sell. It has now asked whether menu cards should specifically state if the paneer or cheese used is non-dairy or analogue.
The regulator's dairy products standard specifies that paneer must be made from milk and milk solids. Permitted additions include acidulants such as lactic acid, citric acid, malic acid, vinegar, glucono delta lactone and sour whey, along with salt and spices or condiments. Vegetable oils, fats and vegetable proteins are not allowed.
According to the official, the regulator is also examining whether vegetable-oil-based paneer could be sold under a different name. Last year, it considered whether such products should be barred from sale in loose form.
Another proposal under discussion is the registration of all manufacturers of dairy analogues. Currently, smaller food businesses with an annual turnover below Rs 12 lakh or a capacity of less than 100 kg or litres per day are exempt from FSSAI registration.