What is analogue paneer, and why is FSSAI cracking down on it? | Explained

: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed restrictions on the manufacture and sale of paneer made from constituents not derived from milk. The draft amendment, published on September 24, proposes adding “paneer made of constituents not derived from milk” to the list of substances whose sale is prohibited. Products already licensed or registered as “Analogue in Dairy Context” would have to drop the word “paneer” from their nomenclature, labelling and marketing.

Paneer, as defined under FSSAI’s standards, is a milk product made from milk, with or without added milk solids, that is precipitated using permitted acidulants and heat. The standard specifies milk and milk solids as the raw materials. Depending on the category, paneer must meet prescribed limits for moisture and milk fat.