The Maharashtra government has banned the sale and production of analogue paneer for one year, citing violations of food safety norms, according to a recent government order. Offenders could face life imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹10 lakh.
Analogue paneer is a non-dairy substitute for traditional paneer, made using vegetable oils, starches, emulsifiers and other additives instead of milk fat. The ban comes as regulators move against products that mimic authentic dairy items but do not meet the required standards for milk-based foods.
The order applies across the state and is effective for a period of one year. While the exact provisions of the ban were not detailed in the announcement, the penalty clause underscores the severity of the action, with the maximum punishment reaching life imprisonment.
Food safety officials are expected to carry out inspections to ensure compliance. The move aims to protect consumers from being misled by products that look like paneer but are not made from milk. Traditional paneer, made solely from milk, remains legal and widely available.
The decision follows growing concerns about the proliferation of analogue products in the market, which are often cheaper but nutritionally different from genuine dairy paneer. The ban is seen as a step toward stricter enforcement of food labelling and quality standards in the state.