FSSAI proposes draft amendment to ensure only milk-derived products are represented as ‘Paneer’
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed a draft amendment to restrict analogue products from being sold as "Paneer." The amendment aims to prevent consumers from being misled and ensures product nomenclature accurately reflects its composition.
Why It Matters
This is relevant for competitive exam candidates studying Indian regulatory bodies like FSSAI, food safety laws, and consumer protection policies.
In Simple Words
The FSSAI has proposed a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011, to stop products made from non-milk constituents from using the term "Paneer." Under this change, products licensed under the "Analogue in Dairy Context" category must drop the word "Paneer" from their packaging and marketing.
This rule protects consumers from buying fake or non-dairy paneer under the assumption that it is authentic. The FSSAI has invited public objections and suggestions on this draft for 60 days from its gazette release before taking further action.
Key Points
- FSSAI proposed a draft amendment to Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011.
- The amendment seeks to restrict manufacture and sale of analogue products as "Paneer".
- It covers paneer made of constituents not derived from milk under a new clause in Regulation 2.1.1.
- Products under "Analogue in Dairy Context" must stop using "Paneer" in nomenclature, labelling, or marketing.
- FSSAI invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders and the public within 60 days.
- Objections or suggestions are to be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, FSSAI, New Delhi.
- The amendment was issued with the previous approval of the Central Government under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- The principal regulations were notified in 2011.
Exam Angle
A. To restrict the manufacture and sale of analogue products as "Paneer" and prevent consumers from being misled about the nature and composition of such products.
Source: Press Information Bureau