Maharashtra has become the second state after Chhattisgarh to prohibit the manufacture, processing, packaging, storage, transport, distribution and sale of analogue (non-dairy) paneer, following a months-long crackdown on food adulteration.
The order, issued by Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act), 2006, comes after inspections uncovered large quantities of suspected fake paneer and ingredients allegedly used to manufacture counterfeit dairy products.
Authorities say the move is aimed at preventing consumers from being misled by analogue paneer being sold as traditional dairy paneer. Under the new directive, those found violating the ban could face up to six months’ imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, while offences involving unsafe food that causes death may attract life imprisonment and a minimum fine of ₹10 lakh.
Food safety officials maintain the action is necessary to protect public health, while the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has also emphasised that cheese analogue products cannot be marketed as “paneer” and must be clearly labelled to avoid consumer deception.
From Disclosure to Ban
The prohibition marks a significant escalation in Maharashtra’s food safety enforcement. Earlier this year, the state had asked hotels, restaurants, caterers and food businesses to disclose whether dishes contained natural dairy paneer or analogue paneer, requiring clear declarations on menus and display boards.
That measure was intended to promote transparency rather than prohibit the product itself. However, according to officials, inspections suggested that several establishments either failed to disclose the use of analogue paneer or allegedly sold it as genuine dairy paneer, prompting the state to adopt stricter action.
Analogue paneer is a processed product designed to resemble traditional paneer but is typically made using ingredients such as skimmed milk powder, vegetable oils including palm oil, starches, emulsifiers and stabilisers instead of fresh milk.
While it is not inherently illegal if manufactured according to prescribed standards and sold with accurate labelling, authorities argue that widespread misrepresentation has become a serious concern. “Selling analogue paneer as dairy paneer is illegal and strict action will be taken,” the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned.
Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has also said laboratory testing found that around 40 per cent of analogue paneer samples collected in the state were unsafe, reinforcing concerns about adulteration and poor manufacturing practices. Officials have described milk and dairy products as among India’s “high-risk food categories”, requiring closer monitoring because of their vulnerability to adulteration.
Crackdown Followed Major Seizures
The latest order follows Maharashtra’s statewide “Safe Food, Safe Drug, Safe Maharashtra” campaign launched after Tukaram Mundhe assumed charge as Food Safety Commissioner. Since May, FDA teams have carried out inspections across multiple districts targeting dairy products, sweets, edible oils, restaurants and food processing units suspected of violating food safety norms.
One of the largest enforcement actions took place in Pune’s Manjari Khurd, where officials seized around 1,400 kilograms of suspected fake paneer, along with substantial quantities of skimmed milk powder, Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) powder, palm oil and other ingredients allegedly used to manufacture imitation dairy products.
Investigators believe these materials were intended to produce counterfeit paneer that closely resembled traditional dairy paneer before being supplied to restaurants and retailers. The crackdown has also extended to eateries and catering establishments across Maharashtra.
Several restaurants and hotels have reportedly faced inspections over allegations of using analogue paneer without informing customers, violating hygiene standards, storing food improperly or failing to comply with food safety regulations. In one case earlier this year, the Pune FDA suspended the licence of a restaurant after inspectors allegedly found cheese analogue being used in food preparation alongside hygiene-related violations.
The FSSAI has similarly strengthened its position on analogue dairy products, directing manufacturers and food businesses to ensure that cheese analogue products are not marketed or sold simply as “paneer”. Instead, businesses must use appropriate labelling so consumers can distinguish between traditional dairy products and processed substitutes. Authorities argue that while analogue products can legally exist within regulatory standards, consumers should never be misled about what they are purchasing.
Experts Advise Consumer Vigilance
Food safety experts say consumers should buy paneer only from trusted and licensed vendors, carefully check product labels, and look for clear information about ingredients and manufacturing details. They advise avoiding unusually cheap products, as significantly lower prices may indicate the use of substitutes or poor-quality ingredients.
Experts also recommend storing paneer at the correct temperature, checking its texture, smell and appearance before consumption, and reporting any suspected cases of adulteration or mislabelling to food safety authorities. They add that stronger enforcement, transparent labelling and greater public awareness are essential to reducing food fraud and helping consumers make informed choices.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Food safety is ultimately about trust. Consumers have the right to know exactly what they are buying and eating, particularly when products closely resemble everyday staples such as paneer. Maharashtra’s decision reflects growing concern over food adulteration and consumer deception, but it also highlights the need for balanced regulation that distinguishes between legally manufactured food alternatives and fraudulent practices. Clear labelling, stronger enforcement against misrepresentation and greater public awareness can work together to protect both consumers and honest businesses.
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