Mumbai : Maharashtra has imposed a statewide ban on the manufacture and sale of analogue (non-dairy) paneer, becoming the second state after Chhattisgarh to prohibit the product as part of an intensified drive against food adulteration and misleading dairy practices.
The order, issued by Tukaram Mundhe, prohibits the manufacture, processing, packing, storage, transportation, distribution, wholesale and retail sale of analogue paneer across the state.
Strict Penalties for Violations
Authorities said violations of the ban will invite stringent action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, including:
- Imprisonment of up to six months
- Fine of up to ₹1 lakh
In cases where consumption of unsafe food leads to death, the Act provides for life imprisonment along with a minimum fine of ₹10 lakh.
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The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also warned that selling analogue paneer as genuine dairy paneer amounts to misleading consumers and constitutes an unfair trade practice, with strict legal action to be taken against offenders.
What is Analogue Paneer?
Analogue paneer is manufactured using vegetable fats, palm oil and other non-dairy ingredients instead of milk fat. Although it resembles traditional paneer in appearance and texture, it is not a dairy product.
Under regulations of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, paneer must be prepared exclusively from milk and must not contain added starch, non-dairy fats or synthetic substitutes. While FSSAI permits the sale of analogue paneer when appropriately labelled and clearly disclosed to consumers, Maharashtra has now prohibited its manufacture and sale altogether within the state.
Crackdown on Adulterated Dairy Products
The ban follows a months-long enforcement campaign launched by the Maharashtra FDA against adulterated dairy products and unhygienic food businesses.
During the drive, officials uncovered several alleged fake paneer manufacturing units. In one of the largest operations, authorities raided a facility in Manjari Khurd, Pune, where they seized approximately:
- 1,400 kg of suspected fake paneer
- 1,800 kg of skimmed milk powder
- 400 kg of glycerol monostearate (GMS) powder
- 718 litres of palm oil
Officials alleged that these materials were being used to manufacture imitation dairy products.
Strengthening Consumer Protection
The latest order comes amid broader food safety enforcement measures across Maharashtra, including inspections of restaurants, hotels and food manufacturing units. Several establishments have faced licence suspensions and closures over hygiene and food safety violations.
The government said the ban is intended to safeguard consumers, curb food adulteration and protect the integrity of genuine dairy products, while ensuring that products marketed as paneer meet established food safety and quality standards.
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