Bhopal, August 13, 2026: Madhya Pradesh has become the fourth state in India to ban the manufacture, sale and use of analogue paneer, citing concerns related to food safety, consumer awareness and public health.
The decision was announced by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday following discussions with officials from the Food and Civil Supplies Department. The state government said it would instead promote traditional paneer and other dairy products made using natural milk fat.
With this move, Madhya Pradesh joins Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Gujarat, which have also introduced restrictions on analogue paneer.
What Is Analogue Paneer
Analogue paneer is a paneer-like product that is not made entirely from milk. Depending on its formulation, manufacturers may use ingredients such as vegetable oils or fats, starch, vegetable proteins and emulsifiers to replace some or all milk components.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recognises dairy analogues as products in which non-milk ingredients replace milk constituents while the final product resembles a conventional dairy product.
Why Is It a Food Safety Concern
The key concern is misleading consumers when an analogue product is sold or served simply as “paneer” without clearly identifying its actual composition.
Consumers purchasing paneer may expect a dairy product containing milk-derived protein and fat. However, the nutritional composition of an analogue can differ significantly depending on the ingredients used.
In April 2026, FSSAI stated that selling a cheese analogue as “paneer” constitutes a serious violation and directed food businesses to use accurate and unambiguous product names.
Other States Have Also Taken Action
Chhattisgarh was the first state to impose a ban, restricting the manufacture, sale and use of analogue paneer, cream and butter.
Maharashtra subsequently imposed a one-year statewide prohibition on the manufacture, processing, storage, distribution and retail sale of non-dairy paneer under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Gujarat also announced a statewide ban covering the production, storage, transportation and distribution of analogue paneer, cheese and butter.
Focus On Authentic Dairy Products
The Madhya Pradesh government has said it wants to strengthen the state’s dairy sector by promoting natural milk-based products and increasing milk production.
The latest decision highlights growing regulatory scrutiny over dairy analogues and the importance of transparent labelling and accurate product identification, allowing consumers to understand exactly what they are purchasing or being served.
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