The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a draft notification proposing restrictions on the use of the term “paneer” on the packaging and in the marketing of products that are not made from milk.
Under the proposed changes, dairy analogues and similar products made using non-dairy ingredients would not be allowed to use the word “paneer” for their packaging, labelling or marketing. Such products would instead have to be sold under names that accurately reflect their composition and identity.
FSSAI has invited comments and suggestions from stakeholders on the draft notification before finalising the proposed changes.
The move comes amid concerns over the growing availability of products in the market that resemble paneer but are manufactured without milk. Some of these products may use ingredients such as starch, vegetable oils and other non-dairy components.
According to the proposal, products registered under categories such as dairy analogues would need to adopt a different name instead of being marketed as paneer. The objective is to ensure that consumers are able to clearly distinguish between traditional paneer made from milk and products made from non-dairy ingredients.
The draft notification is currently open for consultation, and the final regulatory provisions will be determined after considering the feedback received from stakeholders.
The proposed move is aimed at improving transparency in food labelling and preventing consumers from being misled about the nature and composition of paneer-like products available in the market.