Food regulator FSSAI has initiated formal measures to prevent food processors from marketing synthetic or analog varieties under the traditional name of paneer. Under a newly released draft notification, items manufactured without real milk ingredients can no longer adopt the term paneer on their packaging or promotional material. This policy shift follows regulatory interventions across multiple Indian states that previously placed restrictions on the distribution and sale of imitation dairy items.
Stricter Labeling and Marketing Mandates
The proposed framework explicitly establishes that any food substance lacking milk-derived ingredients must not carry the paneer title. Processors and manufacturers that currently hold active food licenses or registrations under the category designated as Analogue in Dairy Context will face strict prohibitions. They are required to purge the word paneer from all product branding, front-of-pack labels, and marketing literature to ensure consumers receive transparent information regarding the true origin of their food.
Sixty Days Window for Public Comments
Before standardizing this policy into permanent law, the authority has initiated a stakeholder consultation window. Interested members of the public, trade groups, and manufacturers have 60 days to submit formal representations, comments, or objections. Submissions can be addressed directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the FSSAI or delivered electronically to [email protected]. A final regulation will be notified once all feedback submitted within the stipulated timeframe is reviewed.
