The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed amendments to food safety regulations that would restrict products not made from milk-derived ingredients from being sold or marketed as “Paneer.”

The proposed Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Amendment Regulations, 2026 seek to introduce a specific provision covering paneer products made from constituents that are not derived from milk.

Under the draft proposal, products currently licensed or registered under the “Analogue in Dairy Context” category would no longer be permitted to use the term “Paneer” in their product name, labelling or marketing.

The move is intended to ensure that food products are accurately identified and presented according to their actual composition, helping consumers distinguish between traditional milk-based paneer and dairy analogue products.

Since the proposal is currently in the draft stage, FSSAI has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders as well as members of the public. These submissions will be considered after 60 days from the date the relevant Official Gazette notification is made available to the public.

The proposed amendment has been issued with the prior approval of the Central Government under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The existing Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations were first notified in 2011 and have been amended periodically.