Mumbai: In a major step to safeguard public health and curb food adulteration, the Maharashtra government has imposed a one-year ban on the production, distribution and sale of fake ‘analogue’ paneer across the state. The order, issued through a gazette notification on July 30, 2026, prohibits the manufacture and use of artificial paneer substitutes after laboratory findings revealed widespread adulteration in paneer samples.
The decision was taken by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, who cited serious concerns over food quality and consumer safety.
Ban Triggered by Quality Test Failures
According to the Maharashtra FDA, recent laboratory analysis found that more than 35% of paneer samples collected across the state failed quality tests.
Officials said many samples were found to be adulterated with vegetable fats instead of milk fat, resulting in the sale of products resembling paneer but not meeting prescribed food standards.
The state government described the situation as a significant public health concern, prompting immediate regulatory action.
Hotels and Restaurants Prohibited from Using Analogue Paneer
Under the new order, hotels, restaurants, caterers, cloud kitchens and other food establishments have been prohibited from:
- Producing analogue paneer.
- Selling or distributing it.
- Storing artificial paneer substitutes.
- Preparing or serving food made with analogue paneer.
Authorities said the ban aims to prevent consumers from unknowingly consuming imitation dairy products in place of genuine paneer.
Consumers Allegedly Misled
Investigations conducted by food safety authorities reportedly uncovered instances where eateries were serving analogue paneer instead of traditional milk-based paneer without informing customers.
Officials alleged that some food businesses substituted genuine paneer with cheaper alternatives to reduce costs while failing to disclose the change on menus or product labels.
The government said the ban is intended to improve transparency and ensure consumers receive the products they are paying for.
Strict Labelling Rules for Genuine Paneer
Along with the ban, the Maharashtra FDA has directed that all genuine paneer sold in the state must comply with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) packaging and labelling requirements.
Manufacturers will be required to clearly specify the exact milk fat content and classify paneer products according to applicable food safety standards to prevent misleading claims.
Officials said the new labelling norms are aimed at helping consumers distinguish genuine dairy products from imitation alternatives.
Industry Welcomes the Decision
Reacting to the government’s decision, Abhay Pandey, President of the All India Food & Drug License Holder Foundation, welcomed the move.
He said discussions regarding analogue paneer had been ongoing for some time and noted that the issuance of the government order marks a significant step in addressing the issue.
Pandey also appreciated FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe for taking decisive action after assuming office and introducing stricter regulatory measures to tackle food adulteration.
Strict Penalties for Violators
The Maharashtra government has warned that any Food Business Operator (FBO) found violating the ban will face stringent action under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Enforcement measures include:
- Immediate seizure of prohibited stock.
- Destruction of adulterated or non-compliant products.
- Heavy financial penalties.
- Other legal action as prescribed under food safety laws.
Officials said inspection drives will be intensified across the state to ensure strict compliance with the ban and protect consumers from adulterated dairy products.
The move is expected to strengthen food safety standards in Maharashtra while promoting greater transparency in the sale and use of dairy products.
