Consumer Affairs Ministry Plans Guidelines for Labelling ‘Analogue Paneer’ in Restaurants

The Consumer Affairs Ministry is considering the introduction of new guidelines that would require hotels and restaurants to clearly disclose the use of “analogue paneer” in the dishes they serve, a senior government official said on Monday.

Currently, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandates that manufacturers label analogue paneer as “non-dairy” to prevent consumer deception. However, these regulations do not yet apply to prepared foods served in the hospitality sector.

Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare stressed the importance of transparency, stating, “Analogue paneer looks and tastes like traditional paneer, but it is not paneer. Analogue paneer is cheaper, and why shouldn’t hotels and restaurants reveal it to consumers?”

The move comes amid growing concerns that consumers may unknowingly be served non-dairy substitutes without being informed. If implemented, the guidelines would aim to uphold consumer rights and ensure informed choices in dining establishments.

Industry stakeholders and consumer rights groups are expected to weigh in during consultations as the Ministry drafts the proposed regulations.