India considers nationwide ban on analogue paneer as Punjab implements one-year prohibition

The Punjab government has implemented a one-year ban on the manufacture, storage, transport, distribution, and sale of analogue or non-dairy paneer. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Punjab issued the order following findings that some food business operators were using vegetable oils or fats instead of milk to create products marketed as paneer.

Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, paneer must be made from milk or milk products. Authorities have directed food safety officers to conduct regular and surprise inspections at dairy units, manufacturing facilities, wholesalers, and retailers to ensure compliance.

On a national level, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is considering a nationwide prohibition of analogue paneer. FSSAI CEO Rajit Punhani indicated that the issue has become a significant concern across the country. This potential federal action follows similar one-year bans recently imposed by other states, including Karnataka and Maharashtra.