Archive · 17 Sep 2026
FSSAI Considers Nationwide Ban on Analogue Paneer After State Consultation
Analogue paneer is a cheaper substitute for regular milk-based paneer.
It can be made with vegetable oil, starch and other ingredients instead of mostly milk.
FSSAI is asking Indian states whether the substitute should be banned across the country.
The states will discuss the issue at a meeting next Thursday.
Eight states have already banned it, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh.
Supporters of a ban say people should receive milk-based paneer as a source of protein.
Restaurants and street vendors could face higher costs if they must switch to real dairy paneer.
The article says frequent consumption of analogue paneer may increase health risks, including heart and metabolic problems.
FSSAI chief Rajit Punhani said states will discuss a possible nationwide ban on analogue paneer.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is seeking state feedback and consensus at a meeting next Thursday.
Eight states, including Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Gujarat, have already banned analogue paneer.
Analogue paneer uses vegetable oils, starches, stabilisers, thickeners and artificial whiteners instead of milk fat and solids.
A nationwide ban could raise costs for restaurants and vendors because analogue paneer costs nearly half as much as dairy paneer.
- Who
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, led by chief Rajit Punhani, and state governments.
- What
- Officials are considering banning analogue paneer throughout India.
- When
- The states are expected to discuss the issue next Thursday; no calendar date is provided.
- Where
- Across India, with eight states already having bans.
- Why
- FSSAI says paneer is an important food and protein source, and states want consumers to receive milk-based paneer.
- Regulator
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- FSSAI chief
- Rajit Punhani
- Current status
- A nationwide ban is under consideration, subject to state feedback and consensus.
- Existing bans
- Eight states have already banned analogue paneer.
- Named states
- Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Gujarat are among the states with bans.
- Main ingredients
- Vegetable oils, binding agents, stabilisers, thickeners, artificial whiteners and starches can replace milk fat and solids.
- Cost impact
- Analogue paneer costs nearly half as much as genuine milk-based paneer.