Food Regulator Considers Ban On Analogue Paneer, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is considering a nationwide ban on analogue paneer.
• Analogue paneer is a non-dairy product where milk fats and proteins are substituted with vegetable oil, fats, or vegetable proteins.
• At least eight Indian states, including Karnataka, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, have already implemented state-level bans on analogue paneer.
• The issue gained public attention last year following social media discussions about 'fake paneer' being served.
• FSSAI dairy product standards specify that paneer must be made from milk and milk solids, disallowing vegetable oils, fats, or proteins.

FSSAI Ban.jpg

Detailed Insights:

• Analogue paneer is typically manufactured using ingredients like vegetable oils, starch, emulsifiers, and stabilizers, aiming to mimic the texture and appearance of traditional paneer.
• Nutritionally, analogue paneer often contains lower protein and calcium levels, while being higher in unhealthy fats, including trans fats from hydrogenated oils, and carbohydrates.
• Consumption of analogue paneer raises health concerns such as increased risk of heart disease, weight gain, digestive issues, and potential long-term health risks due to its processed nature and additives.
• FSSAI has engaged with stakeholders to discuss mandatory clear labelling, requiring terms like "non-dairy" or "analogue" and a detailed list of constituents on product packaging.
• Proposed regulatory changes include prohibiting the sale of analogue paneer in loose form and mandating its sale only in pre-packaged units, potentially of a minimum weight like 500 grams.
• The regulator is also exploring requirements for restaurants and food service operators to explicitly declare the use of analogue paneer on their menus.
• Another suggestion under consideration is to mandate registration for all manufacturers of dairy analogues and restrict their production to larger food businesses holding State or Central licenses.
• The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, empowers FSSAI to establish science-based standards for food products and regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, and sale to ensure food safety.
• Previous FSSAI guidelines for dairy analogues have emphasized clear differentiation through specific prefixes and detailed ingredient disclosure to prevent consumer deception.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Analogue Paneer: A food product designed to resemble traditional paneer, where milk components are partially or wholly replaced by non-dairy ingredients like vegetable oils or proteins.
• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI): A statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, responsible for setting food standards and regulating food safety in India.
• Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: The primary legislation in India that consolidates various food laws to ensure the availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.