FSSAI Bans Fake Paneer Labeling Nationwide

FSSAI's West Region issued a public notice on April 22, 2026, directing all centrally licensed manufacturers and food service establishments to stop selling cheese analogues as 'paneer' immediately.

The crackdown targets a widespread practice where processed cheese substitutes are passed off as traditional paneer, constituting a "grave violation of the law," according to FSSAI.

Restaurants must now train procurement teams and chefs to identify genuine paneer, while clearly disclosing any cheese analogue use on menus and display boards. The move protects consumers from mislabeling in India's ₹50,000 crore dairy market.