Maharashtra has imposed a one-year ban on the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of analog or non-dairy paneer
Key Highlights
- Maharashtra bans analog paneer for one year.
- FDA found over one-third of tested samples failed safety standards.
- Hotels, restaurants and cloud kitchens barred from using non-dairy paneer.
- Authorities found undisclosed use of synthetic paneer in food establishments.
- Violators may face action under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has imposed a one-year ban on the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of analog or non-dairy paneer across the state after extensive testing revealed significant food safety concerns.
The order, issued by Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, came into immediate effect following the publication of the notification in the state gazette on July 30.
The action follows an extensive inspection drive conducted between April 2025 and March 2026, during which 308 samples of paneer and dairy analogue products were tested at government-recognised laboratories. Of these, 109 samples failed to meet prescribed standards, including 79 classified as sub-standard and 30 declared unsafe for consumption.
Laboratory analysis found that several products contained vegetable fats instead of milk fat, indicating the use of non-dairy ingredients while being marketed or served as paneer. The regulator noted that many hotels, restaurants, caterers and cloud kitchens were serving analog paneer without informing customers, allowing consumers to believe they were purchasing genuine dairy paneer.
The FDA described the practice as an unfair trade practice and directed all food service establishments to immediately stop using non-dairy paneer unless it is clearly identified and permitted under applicable regulations.
The order also reinforces existing food safety regulations governing genuine paneer. Under current standards, regular, medium-fat and low-fat paneer must meet specific milk-fat requirements and comply with mandatory packaging and labelling rules. Products that fail to carry the required declarations may be treated as misbranded under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Authorities have warned that manufacturers, distributors and food businesses violating the order may face penalties and legal action under multiple provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The move is aimed at protecting consumers from misleading food practices while ensuring greater transparency and safety in the dairy products sold across Maharashtra.
