Maharashtra and Gujarat Ban Analogue Paneer Over Health Concerns

The Government of Maharashtra and the Government of Gujarat have implemented state-wide bans on analogue paneer and non-dairy substitutes. In Maharashtra, Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe issued an order effective July 30 prohibiting the manufacture, processing, storage, distribution, and sale of analogue paneer for one year. The ban specifically targets products made from vegetable fats and palm oil that are misbranded as genuine dairy.

Maharashtra's action follows laboratory sampling conducted between April 2025 and March 2026, which found that 35.4% of paneer and dairy analogue samples were non-conforming. Authorities stated that these products lack nutritional value and pose public health risks. Enforcement efforts included a raid in Manjari Khurd, Pune, where officials seized 1,400 kg of fake paneer. Violators face penalties ranging from fines of ₹1 lakh to life imprisonment if the unsafe food results in death.

Following similar trends, the Government of Gujarat has also banned the production, transportation, and sale of unstandardized analogue paneer, cheese, and butter. This move aims to protect consumers and the dairy sector after inspections revealed substandard artificial dairy products. Maharashtra is the second Indian state to prohibit the product after Chhattisgarh.