Maharashtra govt. bans analogue paneer for one year, cites food safety norm violations
The Maharashtra government has implemented a one-year ban on the production and sale of 'analogue' paneer, a non-dairy substitute made from vegetable oils and additives. The move aims to prevent food fraud, as establishments were serving the cheaper, less nutritious product as conventional dairy paneer without disclosure.
Why it matters
The ban highlights growing regulatory efforts to protect consumer health and ensure transparency in the food supply chain regarding ingredient substitution.
The Maharashtra government has imposed a one-year ban on the manufacture and sale of "analogue" or non-dairy paneer in view of public health concerns and widespread violations of food safety norms, officials said on Wednesday (August 5, 2026).
Offenders could face life imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹10 lakh, as per a recent government order.
Maharashtra is the second state after Chhattisgarh to impose such a ban.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it found that several hotels, restaurants, caterers and other food establishments were using analogue paneer in place of conventional paneer without disclosing the substitution on menus, invoices or display boards.
Analogue paneer is a non-dairy substitute made using vegetable oils, starches, emulsifiers and other additives instead of milk fat. It is cheaper to produce than conventional paneer and generally contains lower protein levels.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in