The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to all states and Union Territories and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) following concerns over the manufacture, sale, supply, labelling and consumption of ‘analogue paneer’, an imitation of traditional dairy paneer. In proceedings dated August 13, the Commission sought clarification on the product’s nutritional composition, including protein, fat and other parameters, and whether this information is adequately disclosed to consumers.
The NHRC also questioned the need to permit the manufacture and sale of such products, particularly as three states have reportedly imposed restrictions or prohibitions on analogue paneer. The Commission highlighted concerns over consumer protection, food safety, nomenclature, labelling and inconsistent enforcement, noting that consumers should be able to clearly distinguish milk-derived paneer from dairy analogues. It further observed that products containing ingredients such as vegetable oils or fats, starches, milk solids, plant proteins, stabilisers and emulsifiers may have a nutritional profile different from conventional paneer and should not be presented in a manner that could mislead consumers.
