April 20, 2025 | Mumbai | Dairy Dimension Editorial Team
In a decisive move to uphold food authenticity and consumer rights, the Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has launched a state-wide crackdown on the use of cheese analogues—a non-dairy substitute often marketed or served as paneer—by hotels, restaurants, caterers, and fast-food outlets.
FDA Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar issued a stern directive this week, warning that food business operators (FBOs) caught substituting analogue products for paneer without proper disclosure risk immediate suspension of their licences. As per the order, all establishments using analogue paneer must inform consumers clearly, either through display boards, menu card notices, or digital signage.
Cheese analogues, commonly plant-based and more affordable than dairy paneer, have found widespread use in high-volume food service operations. However, their use without transparent disclosure violates Section 18(2)(e) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, which mandates that consumers be informed of the ingredients used in food they purchase or consume.
“This is a matter of consumer trust,” the order notes. “Deliberately substituting analogue products for dairy paneer without disclosure constitutes cheating under food safety law.
— Rajesh Narvekar, FDA Commissioner
In a related move, the FDA has directed joint and assistant commissioners, along with designated food safety officers across Maharashtra, to inspect at least ten establishments in their jurisdictions. These inspections must verify both the physical quality of the paneer used and review procurement invoices to confirm the authenticity of the ingredients.
Multiple Paneer Samples Under Scrutiny
Sources within the FDA suggest that the current action follows a series of quality-control failures in routine paneer sampling across several districts. While detailed lab results have not been publicly disclosed, insiders indicate that a significant number of samples—both from open markets and bulk suppliers—either did not meet established standards for milk fat content or were found to contain non-dairy ingredients.
These failures have raised fresh concerns about the integrity of paneer supply chains, especially in the Horeca (Hotel/Restaurant/Catering) segment, where cost pressures often lead to shortcuts.
Awareness Drive Planned
Alongside enforcement, the FDA has also called for public workshops to raise consumer awareness about cheese analogues and their differentiation from traditional paneer. Officers have been asked to submit compliance and inspection reports by May 2.
For dairy producers and the broader milk processing industry, this directive could prove to be a double-edged sword—curbing unethical practices while also spotlighting the need for consistent quality in dairy-based paneer. With high-protein and clean-label dairy gaining momentum, the crackdown might also catalyze a shift towards transparency and product integrity in the high-volume food services market.
