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Bengaluru, 22 August 2026: Karnataka Department of Food Safety and Drug Administration has prohibited the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation and sale of analogue or non-dairy paneer being sold under the name “Paneer” across the State for one year.
Prohibition was issued through a Government Notification dated August 17, 2026, with the department stating that the move is aimed at safeguarding public health and protecting consumer interests. Order applies to the manufacture, processing, packing, storage, distribution, transportation, wholesale and retail sale, display for sale and supply of such products.
What is analogue paneer?
According to the department, paneer is a standardised food product prepared from milk under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.
Milk fat is a key constituent of paneer. The department said replacing milk fat or milk components with vegetable oil, vegetable fat or other non-dairy ingredients does not conform to the standard definition of paneer. Products made by wholly or partially replacing milk fat or milk solids with vegetable oil, vegetable fat or other non-dairy ingredients are therefore classified as analogue/non-dairy paneer. Such products cannot be labelled, marketed, sold or represented to consumers as “Paneer”.
Karnataka says tested paneer samples showed no adulteration
Department clarified that several paneer samples have been tested in Karnataka and no adulteration was found in the samples involving vegetable oil, vegetable fat or other dairy ingredients. Despite this, the prohibition has been imposed as a public-health and consumer-protection measure, according to the department.
Order is intended to prevent analogue/non-dairy products from being used, stored, supplied, transported or sold as paneer.
Ban does not cover standardised products
Prohibition applies specifically to dairy analogue products for which specific quality standards have not been prescribed or standardised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Order does not apply to standardised food products such as Frozen dessert, Processed cheese, Mixed fat spread. These products are already covered by separate food safety standards.
Food businesses also barred from using analogue paneer
The restriction goes beyond retail sale. Food Business Operators have also been directed not to use, store, supply or sell analogue/non-dairy paneer as an ingredient in the preparation or manufacture of any food product or food item.
Food Safety and Drug Administration Department said it will take necessary measures across Karnataka to ensure effective implementation and enforcement of the order. Department has advised the public and all Food Business Operators to strictly comply with the notification.
What consumers should know
Order does not mean that all paneer sold in Karnataka has been declared adulterated. Rather, it targets products made partly or wholly with non-dairy ingredients that are being represented and sold as “Paneer”.
Consumers and food businesses should therefore check product labelling and ensure that products described as paneer meet the applicable food standards.
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