FSSAI Accepts TPCI National Committee Recommendation to Restrict Non-Dairy ‘Analogue Paneer’ Labelling
Trade Promotion Council of India
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FSSAI Accepts TPCI National Committee Recommendation to Restrict Non-Dairy ‘Analogue Paneer’ Labelling
– Proposed Draft Rules Standardise Dairy Product Naming to Protect Consumer Interest, Fair Trade, and Dairy Farmers
26th SEP 2026; NEW DELHI — In a major development for the Indian dairy and food processing sector, the apex food regulator, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has accepted a key demand submitted by the National Committee on Dairy of the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI). Under the new proposed draft amendments to the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, FSSAI has moved to strictly prohibit the manufacture, labelling, and marketing of non-milk analogue products under the name “paneer”.
The regulatory draft explicitly restricts products made fully or partially from non-dairy ingredients—such as vegetable oils, starches, and plant proteins—from using the term “paneer” across their nomenclature, packaging, and promotional materials. The move follows representations made by dairy industry stakeholders advocating for clear segregation between traditional milk products and synthetic or analogue substitutes.
Welcoming the historic decision by the food regulator, Shri Rahul Kumar, Chairman of the TPCI National Committee on Dairy and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Parag Milk Foods, highlighted the significance of the move for consumer transparency and genuine dairy producers:
“The acceptance of our proposal by FSSAI is a landmark victory for consumer safety and fair market practices. For a long time, the uninhibited sale of analogue products under the guise of traditional paneer created market distortion and eroded consumer trust. Authentic paneer is a nutrient-dense, pure milk product, whereas non-milk analogues rely heavily on vegetable fats and starches. This regulatory demarcation ensures complete transparency on store shelves and menus, ensuring consumers get what they pay for while safeguarding the livelihood of millions of dairy farmers who form the backbone of India’s rural economy.”
— Shri Rahul Kumar, Chairman, TPCI National Committee on Dairy & COO, Parag Milk Foods
Under the draft notification, FSSAI proposes adding a dedicated clause into the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, mandate-requiring existing licensees in the “Analogue in Dairy Context” category to phase out dairy terminology. Furthermore, food service establishments, hotels, and caterers will be required to disclose analogue usage clearly to prevent misleading consumers.
Reinforcing TPCI’s commitment to promoting trade integrity and aligned agri-food standards, Shri Mohit Singla, Chairman of the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), emphasized the global and industrial impact:
“TPCI has consistently championed policy measures that strengthen food quality benchmarks and elevate India’s food processing sector. FSSAI’s acceptance of the TPCI Dairy Committee’s recommendation marks a pivotal step in standardizing product definitions in line with global best practices. By protecting domestic dairy standards from misbranded substitutes, India not only strengthens its internal food safety ecosystem but also consolidates its global reputation as a premier producer of high-quality, non-adulterated dairy products.”
— Shri Mohit Singla, Chairman, Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI)
The FSSAI draft regulation has been published in the Official Gazette, allowing a 60-day window for public and stakeholder feedback before final implementation. Industry experts anticipate that this structural policy update will boost formal dairy processing, curb deceptive branding practices, and establish a level playing field for India’s growing organized dairy sector.
About Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI):
The Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) is an apex trade and investment promotion organization recognized by the Government of India, dedicated to facilitating growth, policy advocacy, and international business opportunities across key industrial sectors including Food & Agribusiness, Dairy, and Bio-economy.
