FSSAI is proposing draft amendments to restrict how “paneer” can be used for products made without milk-derived ingredients. Multiple outlets report that the regulator aims to prevent consumer misunderstanding caused by analogue products being marketed with conventional dairy names.
Under the proposal, products described as “analogue paneer” — generally substitutes that replace milk fat and/or milk solids with cheaper vegetable oils or other non-milk constituents — would face tighter rules around the use of the term “paneer.” The draft includes a specific approach for “paneer made of constituents not derived from milk,” and it is designed to create a clearer distinction between standard milk-based paneer and dairy-analogue products.
While all sources broadly link the move to preventing misleading labelling, some outlets emphasise the consumer-protection rationale (avoiding “deception” about composition), while others focus on how FSSAI has already recognised an “Analogue in Dairy Context” category. A former FSSAI director, quoted by NDTV, also argues the term “analogue paneer” should be removed, though other reporting notes that analogue products are not automatically illegal or adulterated if labelled accurately. Several outlets say feedback is sought from stakeholders before any final rules are notified.
