Cases of adulterated paneer and khoya often surface during festivals. In light of the growing problem of fake paneer, the Central Government’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs has proposed that hotels and restaurants must clearly disclose whether they are using “analog paneer” or traditional (real) paneer in their dishes. New guidelines are under consideration for this purpose.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has already made it mandatory for manufacturers to label analog paneer as a “non-dairy” product to prevent misleading consumers. However, this rule does not currently apply to food served in restaurants.
What is Analog Paneer?
Analog paneer is made using non-dairy ingredients such as vegetable oils, starch, and emulsifiers. It looks and tastes similar to real paneer but is cheaper to produce. Unlike traditional paneer, which is made by curdling fresh milk with lemon juice or vinegar, analog paneer contains little to no actual milk.
Why the New Rule?
Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare stated that analog paneer must not be passed off as traditional paneer, especially in commercial establishments like restaurants and hotels. She emphasized:
"Analog paneer looks and tastes like real paneer but it’s not. It costs less, so customers deserve to know what they're eating."
Restaurants will be required to clearly mention whether analog or traditional paneer is used—either on the menu or through other forms of communication. They will also need to price dishes accordingly to maintain transparency.
Health Concerns
There are concerns that some manufacturers use low-quality ingredients in analog paneer, which may pose health risks. Since many consumers are unaware that they may be eating fake paneer, the government believes full disclosure is essential to allow informed decisions.
Purpose of the Guideline
The proposed guideline aims to:
- Protect customers from misleading food practices
- Promote transparency in the food industry
- Ensure fair pricing based on ingredients used
National Complaints
Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi recently wrote to Health Minister J.P. Nadda, urging action on the growing number of fake paneer cases. He noted:
“There are increasing complaints across the country about adulterated paneer being served in restaurants. This can be harmful to health.”
The ministry has received several complaints via the National Consumer Helpline, prompting the push for stricter regulations.
