Karnataka bans analogue paneer: What changes now and which items are exempted

The ban specifically targets dairy analogue products that fail to meet the quality and safety standards prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Standardised foods that already have clear regulatory guidelines, such as frozen desserts, processed cheese, and mixed fat spreads, are exempt from this order.

Under the new directive, no food business operator may use, store, supply, or sell analogue paneer in the preparation or manufacture of any food item. Health officials noted that while non-dairy paneer may not be inherently toxic, its health impact depends heavily on the specific fats, oils, and additives used.

“This is a preventive measure because these products are not genuine dairy paneer,” an official explained. “Using low-quality or heavily processed vegetable fats can lead to elevated cholesterol levels, particularly an increase in LDL (bad) cholesterol, among other health risks.”

Maharashtra had earlier banned analogue paneer for a year. The ban on non-dairy paneer was enforced after some samples, tested by the FDA for over a year, failed crucial safety tests.

Madhya Pradesh also banned analogue paneer, saying the government would not promote cheaper non-dairy substitutes and would, instead, push products made from natural milk as part of its effort to increase milk production.