Karnataka bans sale of analogue paneer under the name ‘paneer’ for one year

The State government has prohibited the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of analogue or non-dairy paneer being sold as “paneer” across the State for one year, citing the need to protect public health and consumer interests.

A Gazette Notification to this effect was issued on August 17 by the Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department under Sections 30(2)(a), 18 and 29 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The prohibition covers the manufacture, processing, packing, storage, transportation, wholesale and retail sale, display and supply of such products.

The notification makes a distinction between “genuine paneer” and “dairy analogue products.” Under the food safety regulations, paneer is a standardised milk product, and milk fat is an essential constituent. The use of vegetable oil, vegetable fat or other non-dairy ingredients in place of milk fat or milk solids is not permitted in a product sold as paneer.