FSSAI Reviews Nationwide Action Against Analog Paneer

Food safety enforcement in India is entering a more intensive phase, with authorities increasing inspections across restaurants, packaged foods, spices and other food products. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is also looking at how consumers receive important information when buying food online.

FSSAI chief Rajit Punhani said enforcement has improved compared with earlier periods, while pointing out that reports of violations should not create the impression that every food business is breaking the rules. According to him, increased inspections by state governments are gradually improving compliance.

During the past few months, more than one lakh notices have reportedly been issued in cases involving food safety violations. Around 5,000 food licences have been suspended, while more than 600 arrests and about 1,900 convictions have also been recorded. Authorities have imposed penalties in nearly 33,000 cases.

The figures come as food safety officials continue to focus on products that may not meet prescribed standards. One issue receiving particular attention is the sale of analog paneer, which has already prompted regulatory action in several states.

Analog paneer is different from traditional paneer because some products use ingredients such as vegetable oils, starch and emulsifiers instead of relying entirely on milk components. FSSAI has previously clarified that cheese analog products cannot be sold using the name paneer when they do not meet the required standards for paneer.

A wider national decision on analog paneer could now be considered. FSSAI plans to meet representatives from states on September 24 to discuss the issue and collect their views. If there is sufficient agreement among the states, the authority may examine the possibility of broader restrictions.

Several states have already taken action concerning such products. Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka are among the states mentioned in connection with enforcement against analog paneer.

The September meeting will therefore be important in determining whether action remains largely state specific or moves towards a wider national approach. Any final decision is expected to depend on consultations and the regulatory process.

Another major issue on the FSSAI agenda is the way packaged foods communicate their nutritional risks. The authority is working on warning labels intended to make consumers more aware when products contain high levels of sugar, salt or fat.

The proposed system could use prominent red hexagonal warning symbols on food packaging. However, implementation is not expected to happen immediately. The process involves several stages, including issuing a notification, seeking public comments, completing the required World Trade Organization process and giving food manufacturers adequate time to change their packaging.

Court related proceedings could also affect the timeline. Because of these procedural requirements, consumers may have to wait before the proposed warning labels become widely visible on packaged food products.

FSSAI is also turning its attention to food sold through e commerce and quick commerce platforms. The regulator has set September 30, 2026 as the deadline for online sellers to make important product information clearly available to customers.

Details such as the manufacturing date, expiry date and packaging information are expected to be displayed more prominently on online food listings. This would allow consumers to check essential information before placing an order rather than discovering those details only after delivery.

The move reflects a broader effort to ensure that online food sales follow the same safety expectations applied to products sold through physical stores. Food safety requirements do not disappear simply because a product is purchased through an app or website.

For consumers, the changes could make checking food products easier. Officials have advised buyers to look at the label, manufacturing date, expiry date and ingredient information before purchasing food. The same caution is being encouraged when shopping through online platforms.

The growing focus on online food sales is particularly significant as quick commerce becomes a regular way for people to purchase groceries, packaged snacks and other food products. Clear product information can help customers make more informed choices before completing an order.

Meanwhile, the proposed action against analog paneer shows that food regulators are also examining how products are described and marketed. The September 24 meeting will provide an opportunity for states to share their experiences before any wider decision is considered.

FSSAI has indicated that stronger enforcement is accompanied by efforts to improve compliance rather than simply increase penalties. With inspections continuing and online food sales receiving greater regulatory attention, food businesses are likely to face closer scrutiny over product standards, labelling and consumer information.