The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is actively considering a nationwide prohibition on the sale and use of “analogue paneer.” This announcement comes from FSSAI chief Rajit Punhani, who revealed that an all-states meeting is scheduled for next Thursday to gather feedback and seek consensus on the measure.
What is Analogue Paneer?
Analogue paneer is a factory-produced substitute for traditional dairy paneer. Unlike genuine paneer, which is made from pure milk fat and milk solids, its analogue counterpart replaces these with cheaper ingredients such as vegetable oils (like palm oil), binding agents, stabilisers, thickeners, and artificial whiteners. This significantly reduces its production cost compared to real paneer.
Why the Concern Over Analogue Paneer?
Paneer is a crucial source of food and protein in India, making its quality a significant public health issue. Punhani highlighted that eight states, including Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Gujarat, have already banned analogue paneer to ensure consumers receive only milk-based products. The FSSAI's concern stems from the health implications associated with the substitute.
Health Risks Associated with Analogue Paneer
- Trans Fats and Hydrogenated Oil: High levels of these can elevate bad cholesterol and increase the risk of heart problems.
- Digestive Issues: Fillers and starch can lead to bloating, gas, and indigestion.
- Weight Gain and Metabolic Disorders: Dense, cheap fats and empty starches may contribute to rapid weight gain and conditions like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Nutritional Deficiency: It contains significantly less protein and calcium compared to real dairy paneer, failing to adequately support muscle and bone health.
Impact on Restaurants and Street Food Vendors
Should a nationwide ban be implemented, restaurants and street food vendors would be compelled to cease using the cheaper vegetable oil and starch-based substitutes. Given that analogue paneer costs nearly half as much as genuine milk-based paneer, this transition would lead to significantly higher raw material expenses for eateries.
Furthermore, businesses would need to rigorously verify their supply chains, discard existing synthetic substitutes, and update menus to explicitly state the use of real dairy. Non-compliant establishments could face substantial fines, legal penalties, or even removal from online delivery platforms, underscoring the serious implications for the food industry across India.