What is analogue paneer? Here's why Maharashtra has banned its use in eateries

The Maharashtra government has imposed a one-year ban on the production, distribution and sale of fake 'analogue' paneer, citing public health concerns after laboratory tests found widespread adulteration. The restriction also bars hotels, restaurants, caterers and cloud kitchens from using or serving the product.

State imposes one-year ban

The order was issued by Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe through a gazette notification dated July 30, 2026.

According to the government, the decision follows laboratory findings that more than 35 per cent of paneer samples collected across the state failed quality tests due to adulteration with vegetable fats.

Authorities also found that some food establishments were allegedly replacing traditional milk paneer with cheaper analogue alternatives without informing customers. Under the new rules, genuine paneer must comply with FSSAI packaging and labelling norms, including clear classification based on milk fat content.

Industry welcomes the decision

Reacting to the notification, Abhay Pandey, President, All India Food & Drug License Holder Foundation, said, "There were many discussions and questions raised regarding cheese analogue in Maharashtra, and today, the order to ban cheese analogue in Maharashtra has finally been issued."

He further added, "Since our Food Safety Commissioner, Honourable Tukaram Munde, took charge, this matter has come to the forefront, and taking very strong action, he has introduced this GR."

The government has warned that any food business operator found violating the ban could face stock seizure, destruction of the product and penalties under the Food Safety Act.

What is analogue paneer?

Analogue paneer is an alternative to conventional paneer made using vegetable oils, starches, emulsifiers and other additives instead of milk fat. It is cheaper to manufacture and generally contains lower protein than traditional paneer.

Health experts have cautioned that some versions may contain hydrogenated vegetable fats, trans fats or high levels of saturated fats, which are linked to heart disease, high cholesterol and chronic inflammation.

Supporting the government's move, AHAR President Vijay Shetty said, “Public health is a serious issue which must not be compromised. Therefore, we welcome the government’s decision. The ban on analogue paneer will bring relief to genuine businesses such as ours, as we will no longer have to worry about being wrongly suspected or facing action because of unscrupulous operators,” he said.

Nutritionist and fitness instructor Nidhi Shetty also shared a simple way to identify analogue paneer.

“By performing the iodine/betadine test. Boil a few pieces of paneer in water, let it cool and then add a few drops of iodine or betadine to it. If it turns blue or black in colour then it's an analogue paneer,” she said.