Maharashtra Bans Analogue Paneer, Announces Strict Penalties For Violators

The Maharashtra government has imposed an immediate statewide ban on the manufacture, storage and sale of analogue or non-dairy paneer, with violators facing imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The prohibition came into effect following an order issued by Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on July 30, making Maharashtra the second state after Chhattisgarh to ban the product.

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said analogue paneer is a non-dairy product designed to resemble traditional paneer in appearance and taste. While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) permits its manufacture and sale when appropriately labelled as a non-dairy product, the state government expressed concern that it was frequently being sold as genuine dairy paneer without proper disclosure, misleading consumers and violating food safety regulations.

According to the FDA, selling analogue paneer as dairy paneer amounts to an unfair trade practice and strict action will be taken against those found violating the order. Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, offenders can face imprisonment of up to six months along with a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh. The law also provides for more stringent penalties, including life imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs 10 lakh, in cases where the consumption of unsafe food results in death.

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Under FSSAI standards, paneer must be prepared exclusively from milk and should not contain added starch, non-dairy fats or synthetic ingredients. Although analogue paneer remains legally permissible under national regulations when correctly labelled, Maharashtra has opted for a complete prohibition following concerns raised over consumer deception and the widespread sale of non-dairy products as authentic paneer. The issue was discussed in the Maharashtra Assembly last year, where legislators sought a complete ban to safeguard consumers.

The latest decision is part of a broader crackdown on food adulteration across Maharashtra. Since May, authorities have intensified enforcement against the manufacture and sale of synthetic milk and counterfeit paneer, carrying out multiple raids and seizures across the state. The action also coincides with increased inspections of restaurants, hotels and food establishments in Mumbai and other cities, resulting in several closures and licence suspensions over alleged food safety violations.

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