Karnataka bans fake paneer sales for one year to protect consumers

Karnataka's Food Safety and Drug Administration has issued a government notification effective August 17 prohibiting the manufacture, processing, storage, distribution and sale of analogue or non-dairy paneer products being marketed as paneer throughout the state. The ban covers all stages of the supply chain, including wholesale and retail sales, display and transportation of such products.

Analogue paneer refers to products manufactured by partially or wholly replacing milk fat and milk solids with vegetable oils, vegetable fats or other non-dairy ingredients while maintaining the appearance and texture of genuine paneer. Such products cannot be labelled, marketed, sold or represented to consumers as paneer under the state's food safety regulations.

The prohibition, issued by Food Safety Commissioner Srinivas K, comes as authorities seek to clamp down on mislabelled dairy products entering the market. The measure reflects growing consumer concerns over food quality and authenticity in the state, where paneer remains a staple protein source across households.

The one-year ban will remain in effect unless modified or revoked by the Food Safety Division. Violators face penalties under food safety laws.