From May 1, Maharashtra Food Outlets Must Clearly Disclose Use of Cheese Analogue in Place of Paneer
From May 1, Maharashtra Food Outlets Must Clearly Disclose Use of Cheese Analogue in Place of Paneer
Food establishments and packaged food sellers across Maharashtra will soon be required to be fully transparent about the kind of dairy-like products they serve, following a new directive issued by the state Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) in Mumbai.
The regulator has made it compulsory for restaurants, hotels, caterers, fast-food chains, as well as manufacturers and suppliers, to clearly specify whether a dish or product contains genuine paneer or cheese, or a non-dairy substitute known as a “cheese analogue.” The rule comes into effect from May 1 onwards and is intended to ensure consumers are not misled by food labelling or menu descriptions.
According to Food Safety Commissioner Shridhar Dubey-Patil, all menus, display boards, and billing systems must now explicitly mention terms such as “cheese analogue” or “dairy analogue” wherever applicable. This applies not only to dine-in menus but also to takeaway bills, point-of-sale displays, and packaged food labels.
Paneer is traditionally prepared using milk, whereas cheese analogue is manufactured using ingredients like edible oils, starches, emulsifiers, and other non-dairy components. Although these substitutes may closely resemble paneer in appearance and taste, their nutritional profile and composition are significantly different. The FDA has clarified that these products are not unsafe to consume; the primary concern behind the regulation is ensuring transparency for consumers rather than addressing health risks.
The decision has been influenced by a rise in consumer complaints, where dishes advertised as “paneer” were allegedly prepared using cheese analogue without proper disclosure. Citing Section 18(2)(e) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, authorities emphasized that consumers have the legal right to know what is in their food so they can make informed decisions.
The directive also extends beyond restaurants and eateries. Packaged food manufacturers are required to label products accurately, ensuring that terms like “paneer” or “cheese” are not used misleadingly when the product contains non-dairy substitutes. All businesses must comply with the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, which already govern how food items should be presented to the public.
Strict action will be taken against violators under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The FDA has clarified that responsibility lies across the entire supply chain, including restaurants, caterers, food manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers.
Consumers, too, have been advised to remain attentive. Authorities suggest checking packaged food labels carefully for the word “analogue,” asking sellers about the source of loose paneer, and verifying menu descriptions when dining out. Customers are also encouraged to request clarification or billing details if they are unsure about the ingredients used.
