The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has released a new draft document establishing strict rules for the labeling of analog cheese. According to this proposal, products not made from milk will not be able to be sold under the name 'paneer.'
FSSAI insists that consumers clearly understand the composition of the food products they purchase. The proposal mandates limiting the use of the word 'paneer' in the names, labels, and marketing of products made from non-dairy ingredients.
There are many products on the market that resemble paneer externally, but they are produced using alternative components instead of milk or dairy products. These components may include vegetable oils, starch, and other non-dairy substances. These items are usually classified as dairy alternatives.
Under the FSSAI draft, the sale or promotion of such products under the name 'paneer' may be prohibited; they must enter the market indicating their true composition. This will help buyers distinguish whether they are purchasing real milk paneer or some other product.
The main goal of this proposal is to make the labeling process clear and transparent. Consumers often mistakenly assume a product is real paneer based on packaging, only to later discover that other ingredients were used instead of milk. FSSAI requires that the product's actual identification be clearly stated on the packaging, allowing the customer to make a decision according to their preferences, which is especially important for those who intend to buy only dairy products.
The proposal affects not only new products but may also impact some goods already on the market. According to this draft, the new rules may apply to products that already have a license or registration.
Companies must develop names and labels so that the true nature of the product is obvious. That is, if a product is not made from milk, it cannot be sold solely under the name 'paneer.'
FSSAI has requested opinions and objections from stakeholders regarding this draft. Representatives of the food industry, companies, and ordinary citizens can participate in this process, with a period of 60 days provided. The collected comments and suggestions will be reviewed before the final approval of the rules.
It is important to note that this FSSAI document is only a draft and not a final regulation. Therefore, the new rules have not yet come into force for all analog products on the market. If the proposal is approved, it could lead to changes in the labeling and marketing methods of dairy products, directly affecting products that look like paneer but are made from non-dairy components.