The use of the word “paneer” on packets of analogue paneer could be banned. FSSAI has issued a new draft concerning analogue paneer. It proposes stricter rules for the sale and labelling of paneer and similar analogue products. Under the new proposal, the use of the word “paneer” in the names, labelling or marketing of products made from ingredients other than milk, such as vegetable oil or starch, is set to be prohibited. FSSAI’s primary objective is to provide consumers with transparent and accurate information about what they are actually buying in the market, so that confusion between genuine and analogue dairy products can be eliminated. Suggestions and objections sought within 60 days FSSAI has invited responses to the draft proposal from all stakeholders, representatives of the dairy industry and the general public. What is the FSSAI’s new proposal and why was it needed? Several products currently being sold in the market look and taste exactly like paneer, but are made using non-dairy ingredients instead of milk or milk-based ingredients. People buy them believing they are made from real milk. According to FSSAI’s draft rules, analogue products sold in the dairy category will no longer be allowed to be promoted or sold under the name ‘paneer’. If a product contains vegetable fat, palm oil, starch or any other non-dairy element instead of milk, companies will have to clearly state its correct identity and ingredients on the package. Is analogue paneer dangerous for health? Analogue paneer is not dangerous merely because it is an analogue product. The danger arises when poor-quality oil, excessive vegetable oil or raw materials below the prescribed quality standards are used to make it. If such paneer is consumed over a long period, it first affects the heart, stomach and the nutrition the body receives. According to dietitian Neha Sharma, the poor-quality or highly processed oil used in it can raise bad cholesterol levels in the body. This may increase the risk of blockages in the heart’s arteries and heart attacks. The risk of diabetes may also rise, while consuming such food over a long period can place additional strain on the liver and kidneys. The digestive system is affected first. Real paneer is easy to digest, but the starch and other substances added to analogue paneer can cause problems such as gas, bloating, acidity or diarrhoea in many people. The biggest drawback is that people eat it for protein, but if it contains less milk and more of other substances, the body does not receive as much protein, calcium and other essential nutrients as it should get from real paneer. Banned in Several States, Including Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh Recently, the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat banned the production, sale and distribution of ‘analogue paneer’. In fact, it was being sold in several places in the states as dairy paneer. This was leading to consumers being deceived. In some cases, its quality, labelling and food safety standards were also being overlooked. How to Identify Real and Analogue Paneer at Home? It can be identified in these three ways: Post navigation NSE IPO listing today:Grey market predictions peg each stock at ₹1,857; investors could receive up to 4% returns
