On 22 September 2026, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) published the draft Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Amendment Regulations, 2026, proposing restrictions on the use of the term “paneer” for non-milk analogue products.
FSSAI has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders within 60 days of 23 September 2026.
Stakeholders can submit objections or suggestions to:
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Chief Executive Officer, FSSAI, FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi- 110002; or
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Email at regulation@fssai.gov.in
Key Highlights:
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The draft amendment has been issued under Section 92 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, proposing amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011.
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The amendment seeks to restrict the manufacture, sale and marketing of analogue products as paneer to prevent consumers from being misled regarding the nature and composition of such products.
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Under the proposal, products already licensed or registered under the ‘Analogue in Dairy Context’ category will be required to discontinue the use of the term “paneer” in their nomenclature, labelling and marketing.
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The draft amendment proposes to insert a new clause in Regulation 2.1.1 of the 2011 Regulations.
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The proposed clause would prohibit the sale of “paneer made of constituents not derived from milk”.
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The proposed amendment aims to ensure that only products derived from milk can be marketed and sold as paneer.
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The move is intended to strengthen consumer protection and reduce the possibility of consumers confusing analogue products with traditional dairy paneer.
Read More: FSSAI Licensing & Registration Amendment Regulations, 2026 — Key Changes Explained
Also Read: The Vegan Checkmark Is Now Official: FSSAI Mandates Clearer Labelling Standards
[Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Amendment Regulations, 2026 (Draft), dated 22-09-2026]