Mumbai, 29 April 2026

 

In a significant step towards strengthening food safety, quality and ensuring correct information to consumers, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), West Region, has issued a Public Notice dated 22.04.2026 directing all centrally licensed manufacturers and Food Service Establishments in particular, and other Food Business Operators in general, to strictly comply with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Rules and Regulations made thereunder in respect of Cheese Analogue.

The notice clarifies that any cheese analogue sold as “paneer” constitutes a grave violation of the law and must cease immediately. Manufacturers of cheese analogues have been directed to ensure accurate and unambiguous product naming when supplying to other food business operators, especially Food Service Establishments.

Food Service Establishments have been instructed to train their procurement teams and chefs to avoid using cheese analogues under the name “paneer” and to maintain strict vigilance over incoming raw materials. The notice emphasises the need to clearly disclose the use of cheese analogues, wherever applicable, on menus or display boards so that consumers are not misled.

Food Business Operators have also been mandated to undertake regular testing and verification of raw materials and maintain records of such tests and procurements, in line with Schedule 4, Part II, provisions 5.1.2 and 5.1.3 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.

In pursuance of the above notice, regulatory officers have been directed to conduct 100% inspections of all units manufacturing and using cheese analogues in the dairy context to ensure adherence to the prescribed standards and labelling norms.

This action reinforces the Government’s commitment to transparency, consumer awareness and food safety, and ensures that paneer continues to be recognised and served only as per its defined standards, thereby protecting public health and promoting fair trade practices.

 

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PIB Mumbai | Edgar Coelho/Darshana Rane

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