Karnataka bans manufacture and sale of analogue ‘paneer’ for one year

Karnataka has imposed a one-year ban on the manufacture, sale, and distribution of analogue or non-dairy paneer throughout the state. The decision, announced by the Food Safety Division of the Department of Food Safety and Drugs Administration on August 17 and released publicly on Saturday, prohibits the production, processing, packaging, storage, transportation, wholesale and retail sale, display for sale, and government supply of such products. The directive covers the entire supply chain, from manufacturing to retail, and aims to prevent consumer deception by products that mimic traditional paneer but lack its dairy-based composition. The ban follows testing conducted by the department on several paneer samples collected within Karnataka. According to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the action is grounded in Sections 30(2)(a), 18, and 29. Paneer, as defined by Regulation 2.1.16 of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011, is a standardized food item derived from milk. Milk fat plays a crucial role in its formulation, and the substitution of vegetable oil, vegetable fat, or other non-dairy components is explicitly disallowed under these regulations. The notification clarifies that the ban extends beyond cases involving direct adulteration. Even if a sample does not contain prohibited substances, the products described in the order cannot be labeled, marketed, or sold as paneer. Analogue paneer, defined as products designed to resemble paneer through the replacement of milk fat or solids with non-dairy ingredients, is specifically targeted. These items are not allowed to be presented to consumers as genuine paneer, according to the department’s statement. The government emphasized that the ban does not apply to standardised food products regulated separately by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Items such as frozen desserts, processed cheese, and mixed fat spreads, which adhere to recognized quality standards, fall outside the scope of this restriction. Additionally, the regulation impacts food businesses that use analogue paneer as an ingredient. Restaurants, food manufacturers, caterers, and other food establishments are now prohibited from utilizing, storing, supplying, or selling such products during food preparation. Enforcement of the new rule will be carried out across Karnataka, with food business operators instructed to fully comply with the notification. Consumers have been urged to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing products labeled as paneer unless they meet the required dairy-based standards. The measure is intended to safeguard consumers from misleading claims and ensure adherence to established food safety protocols. The Food Safety Division has confirmed that the one-year period will allow time for compliance and adjustment within the industry. As the ban takes effect, authorities will monitor the situation closely to assess its impact on both producers and consumers. Further updates on enforcement actions and compliance checks are expected in the coming weeks.