New Delhi, September 24, 2026: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed a significant amendment to food safety regulations aimed at preventing non-milk-derived analogue products from being marketed or labelled as “Paneer.”
The proposed Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Amendment Regulations, 2026 seek to specifically address products described as “paneer” despite being made from constituents that are not derived from milk.
Only milk-derived products to be represented as ‘Paneer’
Under the proposed amendment, a new clause would be inserted under Regulation 2.1.1 of the existing Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011.
The amendment would cover “paneer made of constituents not derived from milk.” Products that are already licensed or registered under the ‘Analogue in Dairy Context’ category would have to discontinue the use of the term “Paneer” in their nomenclature, labelling and marketing.
The move is aimed at ensuring that consumers can clearly distinguish between genuine milk-derived paneer and products made using non-milk ingredients.
Focus on informed consumer choiceFSSAI’s proposal comes against the backdrop of growing availability of dairy analogues and plant- or non-milk-based products in the food market. While such products may have their own legitimate uses and markets, the proposed regulatory change focuses on how they are described and presented to consumers.
According to FSSAI, the nomenclature and presentation of food products should accurately reflect their nature and composition. The proposed restriction is therefore intended to reduce the possibility of consumers purchasing a non-milk product believing it to be conventional paneer.
Existing analogue products could face labelling changes
An important aspect of the proposal is its impact on products already licensed or registered in the ‘Analogue in Dairy Context’ category. If the amendment is finalised in its proposed form, such products would no longer be able to use “Paneer” as part of their nomenclature, labelling or marketing.
This could require manufacturers and food businesses to review product names, packaging and promotional material to ensure compliance with the amended regulations.
Public invited to submit objections and suggestions
The amendment is still at the draft stage and has not yet become a final regulation. FSSAI has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders as well as members of the public.
The draft will be considered after the expiry of 60 days from the date copies of the relevant Official Gazette notification are made available to the public.
Suggestions and objections may be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer, FSSAI, FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi–110002, or through the email address specified in the notification.
What the proposal could mean for consumers
If ultimately notified in its proposed form, the amendment would establish a clearer distinction in the marketplace between milk-derived paneer and non-milk-derived analogue products.
For consumers, the intended effect is straightforward: the name and presentation of a food product should provide a clearer indication of what it actually contains, allowing purchasing decisions to be based on accurate information.
The proposal has been issued by FSSAI with the previous approval of the Central Government under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The principal Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales Regulations were notified in 2011 and have been amended periodically.
The proposal remains subject to the consultation process, and its final provisions may differ from the draft.
