FSSAI draft seeks clearer rules for non-dairy paneer alternatives

INDIA – The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed regulatory changes that could reshape how non-dairy alternatives are marketed and sold in India.

A draft amendment dated 22 September 2026, published in the Gazette of India on 23 September, proposes restricting the use of the name “paneer” for products made from constituents not derived from milk.

The proposal highlights an important issue for India’s dairy industry: protecting the identity of standardised dairy products while ensuring consumers receive accurate information about the foods they purchase.

Under existing food standards, paneer or chhana is defined as a product obtained from milk, with or without added milk solids, through precipitation using permitted acidulants and heating. Milk-derived ingredients are central to its standardised identity.

Dairy analogues differ in composition. They use ingredients not derived from milk to replace some or all milk constituents while producing a food that resembles a milk product in taste, texture or function.

The proposed amendment seeks to prevent products made from non-milk constituents from using “paneer” in their nomenclature, labelling or marketing.

It also addresses products already licensed or registered under the “Analogue in Dairy Context” category.

Importantly, a dairy analogue is not automatically unsafe or adulterated simply because it contains non-dairy ingredients.

Its legal status depends on applicable food standards, composition, labelling and how it is represented to consumers. The distinction between misleading descriptions and food safety violations is therefore essential.

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 recognises consumers’ right to information about the quality, quantity, purity, standard and composition of goods.

False representations about a product’s composition or standard may also raise concerns under consumer protection law.

For the dairy industry, clearer naming rules could help preserve consumer understanding of products such as paneer and reduce confusion between dairy-based foods and alternatives.

Dairy processors and milk producers may benefit from more consistent market descriptions, while food businesses will need to assess their product labels, menus and marketing materials against applicable requirements.

At the same time, alternative-protein manufacturers may need to review existing product names and prepare for possible changes if the draft is adopted.

Clear and accurate descriptions can support consumer choice while allowing different product categories to compete transparently.

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