MUMBAI: If you’re ordering your favourite paneer tikka or butter paneer at restaurants across Mumbai and Maharashtra, expect a new level of transparency from May 1. Diners will now be clearly told whether the “paneer” on their plate is real dairy-based cottage cheese or a substitute made from vegetable oils or soy derivatives.The move follows a directive by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), mandating all eateries and food vendors to explicitly disclose the use of “analogue paneer” or “cheese analogue” in their offerings. For consumers, this means fewer surprises—and better-informed choices—while eating out or ordering in.Restaurant industry bodies say the change is aimed at protecting customers from misleading descriptions. “We have advised all our members to ensure transparent labelling of such products as ‘cheese analogue’ wherever they are used,” said Pradeep Shetty, spokesperson for the Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India). “This disclosure must be consistent across menu cards, display boards, digital platforms, billing documents, and all customer communications. Establishments must strictly avoid any misrepresentation of these products as paneer or cheese.”Backing the move, the AHAR—which represents a large number of eateries in Mumbai—said its leadership has already engaged with the regulator and committed to compliance. In a communication to members, AHAR said a delegation led by president Vijay K. Shetty and secretary Sunil Shetty met FDA commissioner Shridhar Dube Patil in Bandra.The association said the FDA conducted a seminar to help industry stakeholders distinguish between paneer and cheese analogues, while also explaining the implications of its March 20, 2026 order making disclosure mandatory on menus. “The seminar and meeting were very informative. Team AHAR has assured full compliance on the above-mentioned subject,” the association said.Welcoming the move, K. Rathnam, CEO of Milky Mist, said: “We welcome the Maharashtra FDA’s directive mandating clear disclosure of cheese analogues. This is a progressive step towards enhancing transparency and empowering consumers to make informed choices about what they consume. As India’s largest paneer manufacturer, Milky Mist has always stood for authenticity and quality—our paneer is made from 100% pure milk, with no substitutes or shortcuts.“This move will help distinguish genuine dairy products from analogues, ensuring a level playing field for organised players like Milky Mist who are committed to delivering authentic paneer to consumers. It also reinforces trust in the dairy ecosystem and strengthens food integrity across the industry.”What this means for your plateFor customers, the distinction is significant. Traditional paneer is made from milk, while “analogue paneer” can be produced using ingredients such as palm oil, vegetable fats or soy milk. Though often cheaper, these substitutes differ in taste, texture and nutritional value.Industry insiders say both “cheese analogue” and “analogue paneer” fall under the broader category of non-dairy or partially dairy substitutes—essentially similar products marketed under different names depending on usage. The FDA directive makes it clear that disclosure rules apply to both categories.Why the rule nowThe order comes amid growing scrutiny over food quality and labelling practices in the state. Authorities have, in recent years, flagged cases where cheaper substitutes were allegedly used without informing customers, especially in high-demand items like paneer-based dishes.Consumer complaints and periodic inspections had raised concerns that diners were often unable to distinguish between genuine dairy products and lookalike alternatives.The road aheadWith the May 1 deadline in place, enforcement will be key. For now, diners can expect clearer menus and more honest descriptions—allowing them to decide whether they want to pay for authentic paneer or opt for a lower-cost alternative.For Mumbai’s food lovers, that could mean one simple but important change: knowing exactly what’s on the plate before the first bite.
