FSSAI Draft Amendment on Paneer – Ban on ‘Paneer’ Term for Non-Milk Products | PIB Release
FSSAI DRAFT AMENDMENT ON PANEER
Amendment
Restriction
Objection Period
Key Highlights of the Draft Amendment
- Objective: FSSAI has proposed a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, to restrict the manufacture and sale of analogue products as "Paneer" and prevent consumers from being misled.
- Proposed Regulation: The Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Amendment Regulations, 2026 seek to insert a new clause under Regulation 2.1.1, specifically covering "paneer made of constituents not derived from milk."
- Impact on Existing Licensees: Products already licensed or registered under the 'Analogue in Dairy Context' category would be required to discontinue the use of the term "Paneer" in their nomenclature, labelling or marketing.
- Consumer Interest: The amendment aims to ensure that the nomenclature and presentation of food products accurately reflect their nature and composition, enabling consumers to make informed choices.
- Public Consultation: As the notification is a draft regulation, FSSAI has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders and members of the public. The draft will be considered after 60 days from the date the Official Gazette is made available to the public.
- Submission of Suggestions: Objections or suggestions may be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, FSSAI, FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi – 110002, or submitted through the email address specified in the notification.
- Legal Basis: The proposed amendment has been issued with the previous approval of the Central Government under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
What the Amendment Means
Important Points to Note
- Draft Amendment: FSSAI has proposed an amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011.
- New Clause: A new clause under Regulation 2.1.1 specifically covering "paneer made of constituents not derived from milk."
- Restriction: Products not derived from milk cannot use the term "Paneer" in nomenclature, labelling or marketing.
- Existing Licensees: Products licensed under 'Analogue in Dairy Context' must discontinue the use of the term "Paneer."
- Consumer Protection: Aimed at preventing consumers from being misled about the nature and composition of products.
- Public Consultation: 60 days for objections and suggestions from stakeholders and the public.
- Submission: Suggestions to CEO, FSSAI, FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi – 110002, or via email specified in the notification.
- Legal Basis: Issued with previous approval of the Central Government under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- Gazette Link: The Official Gazette can be accessed at https://egazette.gov.in/WriteReadData/2026/276430.pdf
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