In a move aimed at boosting food transparency and safeguarding consumer rights, the Gujarat Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA) has directed all hotels, restaurants, and ready-to-eat outlets to clearly state whether they use real paneer or paneer alternatives.
As per an official release dated April 4, 2026, the FDCA has noticed a growing use of “vegetable-fat paneer alternatives” instead of traditional dairy paneer. To prevent customers from being misled, food businesses must now prominently mention this information on menu cards or display boards.
Key Guidelines for Food Outlets:
- Mandatory Disclosure:Items made using vegetable fats or dairy substitutes must be labeled as “Analogue” or “Vegetable-Fat Paneer Alternative.”
- No Misleading Names: Selling analogue products simply as “paneer” will be treated as a deceptive and illegal practice.
- Full Transparency:Establishments must clearly share details about ingredients, quality, and the nature of the food served.
Strict Enforcement Measures
The FDCA stated that the directive has been issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, along with rules related to food standards, additives, and labeling. Food Safety Officers have been instructed to carry out regular inspections, sampling, and verification across the state. Violators may face strict legal action under the Act.
Public Advisory
Consumers have been urged to stay alert, check labels carefully, and report any misleading practices to the nearest food safety office.
The initiative is intended to maintain food quality and ensure complete transparency across Gujarat’s food service sector.