Maharashtra bans non-dairy paneer, imposes jail time and hefty fines

Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, Maharashtra has enacted a total prohibition on analogue paneer, covering every stage from production to retail. Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe issued the order, stating that any entity involved in making or selling non-dairy paneer faces up to six months’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1 lakh. The regulation further classifies false labeling as an unfair trade practice and stipulates life imprisonment and a minimum Rs 10 lakh fine if the adulterated product causes death.

Analogue paneer, defined by the FSSAI as a product where milk components are replaced by non-milk ingredients, often contains vegetable oils, starch and milk solids, which are considered harmful. The agency also provided home-testing methods for consumers to detect fake paneer. In response to the health concerns, the article lists higher-protein alternatives such as tofu, tempeh, seitan, lentils, soybeans and chickpeas.