Following a campaign by *Dainik Jagran* against fake and adulterated paneer, a gazette notification has been issued prohibiting the manufacture and sale of ‘analog paneer’ under the name ‘paneer’. Consequently, the sale and manufacture of analog paneer in the capital have now been brought under a strict regulatory framework, and violators may face action.
**Swift Action Taken**
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011. The notification was issued on September 22 and published in the *Gazette of India* on September 23; it was recorded in the FSSAI notification list on September 24. **What Restrictions Have Been Imposed?**
The gazette notification was issued by FSSAI Chief Executive Officer Rajit Punhani. It clarifies that provisions are being introduced to prohibit the manufacture and sale of paneer-like products that are not made from milk-derived ingredients. Products previously licensed or registered under the ‘Analog in Dairy Context’ category must stop using the word ‘paneer’ in their names, labels, and marketing. ***Dainik Jagran’s* Campaign**
*Dainik Jagran* had recently run a sustained campaign highlighting the sale of fake, adulterated, and detergent-laced paneer across the country, including in Delhi. Subsequently, *Jagran* published an exclusive report revealing that the FSSAI was moving towards a nationwide ban on analog paneer. Now, the gazette notification regarding the draft ban has been issued. **Submit Objections and Suggestions Within 60 Days**
The FSSAI has invited objections and suggestions on the draft from the public and stakeholders within 60 days of its publication in the gazette. The draft will be finalized after considering the objections and suggestions received. What is the difference between real paneer and analog paneer?
The main difference between real paneer and analog paneer lies in their ingredients. Real paneer is made entirely from pure milk, whereas analog paneer uses vegetable oils (such as palm oil) and starch instead of milk. You can easily understand the key differences between the two from the table below…
Feature
Real Paneer
Analog Paneer
Main Ingredients
100% pure milk (milk cream and solids)
Palm oil, vegetable fat, starch, and casein
Protein and Calcium
Abundant (naturally high)
Very low or negligible
Type of Fat
Dairy fat (essential for the body in limited quantities)
Trans fat and saturated vegetable fat (harmful to the heart)
Texture
Soft and grainy; crumbles easily when pressed.
Rubber-like, flexible, and stretchy.
Price
Expensive due to the cost of milk.
Produced very cheaply (at approximately half the cost).
