Overview
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has published a draft notification aimed at stopping plant- or vegetable-based dairy alternatives from calling themselves “Paneer.” The goal is simple: protect consumers from misleading labels and ensure that anything sold as paneer is made strictly from milk.
Key Takeaways for Businesses and Consumers
- The Core Rule: Under the newly proposed clause, manufacturing or selling “paneer made of constituents not derived from milk” is officially restricted.
- Labelling & Marketing Restriction: Companies registered under the “Analogue in Dairy Context” category can no longer use the word “Paneer” on product packaging, names, or marketing campaigns.
- Reason for the Change: FSSAI introduced this amendment to prevent consumer deception regarding the actual ingredients and composition of food products.ย
- Affected Regulations: This update amends Regulation 2.1.1 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011.
Regulatory & Feedback Timeline
- Notification Date: Issued on September 22, 2026. (Gazette No. 573).
- Public Consultation: Stakeholders have 60 days from the publication date to submit feedback, objections, or suggestions.
- How to Submit Comments: Feedback can be sent to the Chief Executive Officer at FDA Bhawan, New Delhi, or emailed directly to regulation@fssai.gov.in