Telangana imposes one-year ban on synthetic paneer production and sales

The Telangana government has announced a comprehensive ban on the production and distribution of synthetic or analogue paneer across the state, effective immediately for one year. The decision was taken following reports of substandard cheese products entering the market under the guise of traditional dairy paneer, potentially compromising consumer health and safety standards.

Analogue paneer, typically manufactured using vegetable oils, starch, and other additives instead of pure milk solids, has increasingly become a concern for regulatory authorities across India. The products often fail to meet nutritional benchmarks and can contain undisclosed additives, making them unsuitable for mass consumption without proper certification and labeling.

State food safety officials stated that the ban would help protect consumers from adulterated dairy products and prevent unfair trade practices that undercut legitimate paneer manufacturers. The prohibition applies to both domestic production units and imported synthetic paneer variants, with strict enforcement measures to be implemented through surprise inspections and market surveillance operations.

Manufacturers found violating the ban during the one-year period will face penalties under food safety regulations. The government has advised retailers and food establishments to ensure all paneer stocked meets prescribed standards and is sourced from registered dairy producers. The ban may be reviewed or extended based on market conditions and regulatory assessments conducted during the enforcement period.