Maharashtra Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has imposed a one-year ban on the manufacture and sale of analogue paneer across the state, citing public health concerns and repeated violations of food safety norms. With this decision, Maharashtra has become the second state after Chhattisgarh to ban the non-dairy substitute.
The ban comes after a year-long inspection and surveillance drive by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which found that several food establishments were selling analogue paneer as regular dairy paneer without informing customers.
What is analogue paneer?
Analogue paneer is a non-dairy alternative made using vegetable oils, starches, emulsifiers and other additives instead of milk fat. It is cheaper to produce than traditional paneer and usually contains lower protein levels.
According to the FDA, many hotels, restaurants and caterers were using analogue paneer in food preparations without mentioning the substitution on menus, invoices or display boards, misleading consumers about what they were being served.
Why has Maharashtra banned it?
The decision follows a year-long enforcement drive by the FDA, during which 35.4% of the samples collected failed to meet prescribed food safety standards. Officials said inspections, awareness campaigns and existing labelling rules were not enough to stop the misuse of analogue paneer.
The government also found that the product was often transported and sold without proper packaging, labels, invoices or batch details, making it difficult to trace its source and ensure food safety compliance.
Strict penalties for violators
Under the government order, the manufacture, processing, storage, distribution and sale of analogue paneer have been prohibited across Maharashtra for one year.
The FDA has warned that businesses selling analogue paneer as conventional dairy paneer without informing customers will face strict action under the Food Safety and Standards Act. Depending on the severity of the offence, punishment can range from six months’ imprisonment with a fine of ₹1 lakh to life imprisonment and a minimum fine of ₹10 lakh if unsafe food results in death.
Aim is to protect consumers
Officials said the temporary ban has been introduced to safeguard public health and prevent unfair trade practices. The move is expected to improve transparency in food labelling and ensure that consumers receive authentic dairy products.
The decision has also been welcomed by BJP MLA Vikram Pachpute, who had earlier raised the issue in the state legislature and demanded action against the sale of analogue paneer. He also urged the government to examine cheese analogue products, claiming that consumers are often misled when such products are sold as regular cheese.
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