Madhya Pradesh Bans Analogue Paneer

Madhya Pradesh has become the fourth state in India to ban the production, sale and use of analogue paneer, citing food safety and public health concerns. The decision was announced by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on August 12, 2026, following discussions with officials of the Food and Civil Supplies Department.

With the move, Madhya Pradesh joins Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Gujarat, which have already prohibited analogue paneer. Chhattisgarh was the first state to impose the ban, ordering an immediate restriction on the manufacture, sale and use of analogue paneer, cream and butter on August 1, 2026.

Analogue paneer is a lower-cost substitute for conventional milk-based paneer, generally produced using vegetable fats and starch either in place of milk or blended with milk. Its lower price has contributed to increased consumption, particularly in restaurants.

Madhya Pradesh's Food Safety Department estimates that approximately 9,000–12,000 quintals of analogue paneer are consumed every month in the state, particularly by restaurants. The government has directed that the focus should instead be on natural, milk-fat-based paneer and other dairy products, alongside efforts to increase milk production.

The regulatory shift comes amid growing concerns around the safety, authenticity and nutritional quality of analogue dairy products. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also raised concerns over analogue paneer and urged state governments to consider banning the product. (Hindustan Times)

For India's dairy industry, the development signals a stronger regulatory push toward authentic milk-based products and consumer protection. It could also have implications for manufacturers, restaurants, traders and food-service businesses that depend on lower-cost dairy substitutes.

Source: Dairynews7x7 14 Aug, 2026 Read full story here

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