The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed restricting the use of the term 'paneer' for products not made from milk-derived ingredients. The goal of this measure is to prevent consumer confusion regarding the composition and nature of the product.
According to the draft Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sale) Regulations amendments of 2026, products currently licensed or registered under the 'Dairy Context Analogue' category must cease using the word 'paneer' in their name, labeling, and marketing.
The proposed amendment clearly defines the restricted category as 'paneer made from components not derived from milk.' FSSAI invited stakeholders to submit their comments and suggestions on this draft, which will be reviewed 60 days after the notification's publication.
The notification itself was issued on September 22 and published in the Gazette of India on September 23.