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With deceptive dairy lookalikes flooding the market, India’s food regulator—the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)—is rolling out stricter labelling norms to bring clarity to consumers’ plates. This regulatory push targets plant-based substitutes, such as imitation paneer, that are often sold without disclosing their non-dairy origins, leading to widespread consumer confusion.
What Are Analogue Dairy Products?
Analogue dairy products are food items designed to resemble milk-based products in appearance and taste but are made from plant-derived ingredients such as vegetable oils, starches, and emulsifiers. Among these, analogue paneer has emerged as a commonly available substitute, especially in bulk supply chains. While not illegal, these products often bypass proper labelling, misleading consumers into believing they are buying authentic dairy. The challenge lies in their resemblance—not just in texture or appearance, but in packaging that mimics traditional dairy branding, which creates an illusion of authenticity.
The Need for Regulation
The increasing sale of such products under the guise of dairy items has prompted FSSAI to seek public consultation on regulatory compliance. Reports have indicated that many consumers unknowingly purchase these substitutes due to a lack of clear disclosure. FSSAI's move aims to enforce greater transparency, ensuring that analogue products are not misrepresented. The regulator believes that consumer trust in food labelling must be preserved to prevent deceptive marketing from gaining ground.
Labelling Clarity Is Now the Rule
To prevent confusion, FSSAI mandates the use of specific terminology like “Analogue in dairy context” on product labels. Manufacturers must avoid using any words, images, or promotional materials that imply the presence of milk or milk-based ingredients if none exist. This applies across packaging, advertisements, and retail displays. The label must also specify the primary plant-based ingredients used, to allow customers with dietary sensitivities or ethical concerns to make informed choices.
Restaurants and Caterers Also Under Watch
Food service providers—hotels, restaurants, caterers—must also comply. They are now required to prominently display notices when serving plant-based substitutes for traditional dairy, especially in cooked food like paneer dishes. This ensures diners are not misled about what’s on their plate. Additionally, menus must carry disclaimers when using imitation dairy in items traditionally associated with milk-based components.
Consumer Rights Strengthened
To further support informed choices, FSSAI has opened channels for consumers to report misleading food labels via its website or mobile app. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs is expected to issue additional guidelines for eateries to distinguish clearly between genuine dairy products and their non-dairy counterparts. These steps reinforce the consumer’s right to truthful information under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Why This Matters
As plant-based foods gain traction for dietary, ethical, and environmental reasons, distinguishing them from traditional dairy has become critical. FSSAI’s regulatory framework seeks to empower consumers with accurate information, not discourage innovation. The goal is simple: let people know
what they’re eating—and choose it knowingly. In a world of fast-changing food trends, honesty in labelling may be the most essential ingredient of all.
