The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has put forward a draft amendment to stop manufacturers from selling non-milk-based products under the name “Paneer”. The move aims to protect consumers from buying imitation products while believing they are purchasing genuine paneer made from milk.
The proposed change would amend the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, one of the main rules governing what food products can be called and how they must be labelled in India.
Key facts
- Regulation being amended: Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011
- New clause to be inserted: Regulation 2.1.1 covering “paneer made of constituents not derived from milk”
- Products affected: All analogue dairy products currently licensed or registered under the ‘Analogue in Dairy Context’ category
- Public consultation period: 60 days from publication in Official Gazette
- Submission deadline: Objections and suggestions to be sent to FSSAI headquarters or by email as specified
- Address: FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi 110002
- Date of proposal: 24 September 2026
- Approval: Already granted by Central Government under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
What the amendment does
Currently, manufacturers can produce and sell products made from plant-based ingredients, soy, or other non-milk materials while calling them paneer or paneer analogues. These imitation products are licensed under a special category called ‘Analogue in Dairy Context’. The new amendment would prohibit these manufacturers from using the word “Paneer” anywhere in their product name, labelling, or advertising.
Under the proposed rule, only paneer made entirely from milk would be permitted to carry that name. Any product made from plant-based proteins, soy derivatives, or other milk substitutes would have to use a completely different name that clearly indicates its non-dairy origin.
Why this matters
Paneer is a traditional Indian fresh cheese made by curdling milk. For decades it has been a staple protein source in Indian kitchens. However, as plant-based and alternative protein products have grown in popularity, manufacturers have begun selling imitation versions under paneer-like names. Many consumers, especially those shopping quickly or unable to read fine print, may unknowingly purchase these analogues thinking they are buying genuine paneer.
FSSAI argues that the current system creates consumer confusion about what they are buying and its actual composition. By restricting the use of the word “Paneer” only to milk-derived products, the authority aims to ensure that labelling honestly reflects what is inside the package, allowing shoppers to make informed decisions based on accurate information.
How you can respond
This is currently a draft regulation, not yet final. FSSAI has opened a 60-day public consultation period during which anyone can submit objections or suggestions. This includes consumers, food manufacturers, traders, industry associations, and any member of the public who wishes to provide input.
Comments should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of FSSAI at FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi 110002, or sent via the email address mentioned in the Official Gazette notification. The full text of the draft amendment and instructions for submission are available on the Official Gazette website.
What this means for you
If you buy paneer regularly, this change would give you greater confidence that products labelled “Paneer” actually contain milk. Manufacturers of plant-based paneer alternatives will need to rebrand and relabel their products with new names that do not include the word “Paneer”, though they can continue to sell their products in the market under different names. Food businesses selling analogue products will need to update their packaging and marketing materials after the rule comes into effect.
The amendment is still in draft form and will only become binding after the 60-day consultation period ends and FSSAI formally finalises the regulation based on feedback received.