The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has put forward a significant proposal to restrict the use of the term 'paneer' for products not derived from milk. This move, outlined in a draft amendment to existing food safety regulations, seeks to ensure that consumers are not misled about the nature and composition of dairy products.
Preventing Misleading Product Representation
Under the proposed changes to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, any analogue products currently marketed or licensed using 'paneer' in their name, labeling, or marketing would be required to cease this practice. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which oversees FSSAI, stated that the amendment aims to guarantee that only products genuinely derived from milk are represented as 'Paneer'.
This initiative specifically targets "paneer made of constituents not derived from milk." The FSSAI's objective is to enhance transparency and prevent confusion in the marketplace, ensuring product nomenclature accurately reflects its ingredients.
Public Consultation Underway
The draft amendment, issued with the prior approval of the Central Government, is not yet finalized. FSSAI has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders and the general public. This consultation period will last for 60 days from the date the official notification was made available, which occurred on September 23, 2026.
Once the consultation period concludes, the FSSAI will consider the feedback received before proceeding with the finalization and implementation of these new regulations, which are part of the broader Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2026.