FSSAI moves to ban synthetic paneer in fresh food safety crackdown

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has unveiled proposals to ban the manufacture and commercial sale of synthetic or analogue paneer—dairy-free products marketed under the traditional cheese name—as part of an intensified campaign against food adulteration.

Under the draft rules, any non-dairy formulation marketed or labeled as paneer would be prohibited, ensuring consumers receive genuine products made exclusively from milk and milk solids. The regulatory action seeks to protect both consumer health and the interests of legitimate paneer producers who adhere to established food standards.

Stakeholders in the food industry, including manufacturers, distributors, and consumer representatives, have been given a 60-day window to file objections or suggestions on the proposed amendments. The consultation period reflects the FSSAI's commitment to balancing regulatory oversight with stakeholder engagement before finalizing the rules.

The proposal represents an escalation of the FSSAI's broader anti-adulteration initiative, which has focused on preventing fraudulent food labeling and protecting product integrity across the Indian food supply chain. Industry observers anticipate the rules could significantly reshape the market for plant-based cheese alternatives, which would need to be clearly differentiated from traditional paneer through distinct labeling and nomenclature.