FSSAI Restricts Use of Term "Paneer" on Non-Milk Products, Seeks Public Suggestions or Objections:

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, thereby restricting the use of the term “Paneer” for products that are not made using milk, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub- section (2) of section 92 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (34 of 2006). The draft amendment to the aforementioned regulation was notified on September 22, 2026.

The proposed amendment aims to prevent consumers from being misled about the nature and composition of food products. Under the draft, “paneer made of constituents not derived from milk” would be specifically covered under the regulations.

FSSAI has also clarified that products already licensed or registered under the “Analogue in Dairy Context” category will have to discontinue the use of the term “Paneer” in their product name, labelling and marketing.

The draft Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Amendment Regulations, 2026, proposes inserting a new clause under Regulation 2.1.1 of the existing regulations to restrict such products from being represented as paneer.

FSSAI has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders and other interested persons on the proposed amendment. The draft regulations will be considered after 60 days from the date on which copies of the Official Gazette containing the notification are made available to the public.

According to the Notification, interested and willing individuals can submit suggestions or objections to the Chief Executive Officer, FSSAI, at FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi, or through email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). The Authority will consider the submissions received within the specified period before finalising the amendment.