FSSAI Moves to Define 'Paneer'
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has released a significant draft proposal aimed at clarifying the identity of dairy products in the market. The new guidelines seek to restrict the use of the word 'paneer' exclusively to products made from milk-derived ingredients, explicitly barring non-dairy analogue products from using the popular name.
This initiative stems from a growing concern over consumer confusion, where buyers might mistakenly purchase products made from vegetable oils, starches, or other substitutes, believing them to be traditional milk-based paneer. The FSSAI emphasizes that the primary goal is to enhance transparency and provide consumers with accurate information about the food items they are purchasing.
Stricter Labelling for Analogue Products
Under the proposed regulations, any product that substitutes milk-derived ingredients with alternatives such as vegetable oil or starch will be prohibited from using 'paneer' in its name, labelling, or marketing. Instead, these analogue products will be required to market themselves with their true identity clearly stated, ensuring consumers are fully aware of their composition.
The draft rules are not limited to new products entering the market. Existing licensed or registered analogue dairy products may also fall under the new provisions, potentially necessitating revisions to their current labelling and marketing strategies to comply with the stricter guidelines.
Public Feedback Invited
In line with standard regulatory procedures, the FSSAI has opened the draft proposal for public consultation. Stakeholders, industry representatives, and the general public have been invited to submit their suggestions and objections within 60 days. The final rules will be notified after careful consideration of all feedback received during this period.
If approved, these changes are expected to bring substantial shifts in how dairy and dairy-alternative products are named and marketed across India, ultimately empowering consumers with more informed choices.