Telangana Imposes Statewide One Year Ban on Analogue Paneer Over Health Concerns

Telangana has enforced a one-year statewide ban on the manufacture, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, and sale of non-dairy, artificial, or analogue paneer, effective September 10, 2026. The regulatory directive was issued under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (Gazette No. 807) by the Commissioner of Food Safety and notified through the Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE).

Analogue paneer uses non-dairy ingredients-primarily vegetable fats-to mimic the texture and appearance of conventional dairy paneer. Food safety authorities raised red flags because deceptive sales deprive vegetarians of a vital protein source, while heavy saturated vegetable fats can elevate LDL cholesterol and increase cardiovascular risks. To protect consumers from undisclosed substitutions and substandard production, the comprehensive order covers the entire supply chain rather than just retail counters.