FSSAI tightens packaging standards for pane masala, banning plastic, foil, and synthetic laminates

FSSAI has made significant changes to the regulations concerning paan masala packaging, under which it can no longer be sold in plastic pouches. According to the new guidelines, companies are mandated to use plastic-free alternatives such as paper, tin, or glass.

According to the government notification, this change will affect all sizes of pouches available in the market. Companies now only have natural options remaining, including paper, paperboard, or cellulose without any plastic mixture. Additionally, paan masala can also be sold in tin containers and glass vials. Under the new rules, customers will now receive this product in completely eco-friendly packaging, replacing the old plastic pouches.

The rules explicitly state that the use of polythene, polyester, PVC, or any type of synthetic plastic in packaging is prohibited. A complete ban has also been placed on pouches that have a plastic or shiny aluminum foil layer beneath the outer paper; meaning there should be no hidden plastic or metal layer inside the paper.

FSSAI has included paan masala in the special list of packaging regulations for the first time, clearly defining suitable and unsuitable materials for packing. This amendment was made under the Food Safety and Standards Amendment Rules, 2026. The main reason for this decision is the serious threat posed by small plastic packets thrown on the streets to the environment, as they clog drains and do not decompose for years. It is expected that using paper, tin, or glass instead of plastic will significantly reduce waste. Furthermore, it will control the risk of product quality deterioration due to prolonged contact with plastic.

It is important to note that this decision does not mean a ban on paan masala; it is only related to packaging. Companies must only stop the old method and prepare packets according to the new rules. Strict action will be taken against companies that do not comply with the rules.

This decision was not taken suddenly. FSSAI had released a draft in April and invited suggestions from the general public and traders for 60 days. After taking into account the opinions of all stakeholders, the final rules were prepared, which came into effect across the country as soon as they were published in the government gazette on August 10.

As part of a large-scale inspection regarding food product falsification, the Food Administration of Maharashtra State (FDA) has imposed an immediate, statewide ban on the manufacturing, storage, distribution, transportation, and sale of analog or artificial (non-dairy) paneer for a period of one year.

This directive, published this week, utilizes the powers stipulated in the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. The order, issued under the leadership of FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, signals a serious crackdown on the adulteration of dairy products in restaurants, hotels, and catering services.

The decision came after BJP legislator Vikram Pachpute repeatedly raised alarms about the widespread use of synthetic paneer in the State Legislative Assembly.

Responding to this situation, Pachpute welcomed the publication in the official gazette, commending the FDA Commissioner for taking decisive regulatory measures to protect public health and prevent large-scale food fraud.

He stated that now that the notification is in effect, FDA inspection teams across Maharashtra have been tasked with conducting surprise checks of food establishments, suppliers, and catering companies. Establishments found selling or serving analog cheese disguised as paneer will face severe penalties, confiscation of goods, and legal prosecution under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

The ruling strictly prohibits the processing, packaging, wholesale, retail trade, and display of any non-dairy paneer variants in all districts of Maharashtra. Hotels, restaurants, catering services, cloud kitchens, and local eateries are strictly forbidden from using, preparing, serving, or storing analog paneer in any dishes.

Substituting analog or synthetic paneer for real dairy paneer has been classified as unfair trade practice under Section 24 of the act. Violators will face legal proceedings, including heavy fines, product seizure, and mandatory destruction of non-compliant stock.

This directive arose amid growing public concern over health and systematic non-compliance across the state. Out of 308 samples of paneer and dairy analogs analyzed between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, 109 samples (35.4 percent) did not meet state standards—79 were substandard, and 30 were deemed unsafe.

Laboratory tests revealed that natural dairy fat was often replaced by cheap vegetable oils and non-dairy fats. Analog paneer lacks the primary nutritional benefits, especially protein, that consumers, particularly vegetarians relying on real dairy paneer, expect.