India’s food regulator FSSAI proposes draft amendments that would restrict the manufacturing and sale of “analogue paneer” and limit the use of the term “paneer” on products not derived from milk. The proposal is contained in draft Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Amendment Regulations, 2026, and is published in the Gazette of India.
FSSAI says the move aims to prevent consumers from being misled about the nature and composition of products marketed as paneer. Sources describe a specific provision for “paneer made of constituents not derived from milk,” under which products currently covered under “Analogue in Dairy Context” would have to stop using “paneer” in product names, labels and marketing if the amendment is finalised.
The outlets align on the core purpose—consumer clarity—and on the distinction between conventional paneer, defined in existing standards as a milk-based product, and substitute products made to resemble dairy. One outlet also references prior FSSAI actions, including directions issued in April 2026 regarding the use of “paneer” for cheese analogues, while other coverage focuses mainly on the newly notified draft amendment and what would change.
