The governments of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh have banned the sale and use of analogue paneer [1, 2, 3].
The move targets a synthetic cheese substitute that mimics traditional paneer but lacks dairy bases. Because paneer is a staple in Indian diets, the widespread use of unregulated substitutes poses a potential public health risk to millions of consumers.
Analogue paneer is produced using vegetable oil and starch rather than milk [2, 3]. Unlike traditional paneer, which is a fresh acid-set cheese, the analogue version is engineered to resemble the texture and appearance of the dairy product while reducing production costs.
Authorities said the product may be unsafe and pose health risks [2, 3]. These concerns stem from the use of non-dairy ingredients and the potential inclusion of unsafe additives during the manufacturing process.
Maharashtra became the second state to implement the ban as part of a broader effort to regulate food safety [3]. The state's decision follows similar actions in Gujarat and Chhattisgarh to protect consumers from fraudulent food labeling and hazardous ingredients.
Food safety officials are now tasked with monitoring markets to ensure the substitute is removed from supply chains. The ban applies to both the sale and the use of the product in commercial food preparation [1, 2].
“The governments of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh have banned the sale and use of analogue paneer.”
This ban reflects a growing regulatory crackdown on 'food fraud' in India, where synthetic alternatives are often sold as traditional staples. By targeting analogue paneer, these states are prioritizing nutritional integrity and consumer safety over the lower costs associated with vegetable-oil-based substitutes.
