The Food and Drugs Administration has directed all restaurants, hotels, caterers and fast-food outlets across Maharashtra to clearly disclose the use of cheese analogue in food items on menu cards and electronic display boards, effective May 1, 2026.
The directive, issued by Food Safety Commissioner Shridhar Dubey-Patil, sets April 30 as the deadline for compliance. Establishments failing to adhere to the order will face action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and applicable regulations.
According to the FDA, the move follows consumer complaints regarding the use of cheese analogue in place of paneer or cheese without proper disclosure. Authorities noted that such practices can mislead consumers, particularly when products are marketed under names resembling traditional dairy items.
The regulator clarified that paneer is a milk-based product, whereas cheese analogue is typically manufactured using edible oils, starch, emulsifiers and other non-milk ingredients. While these products are not considered harmful, the FDA emphasized the need for transparency to enable informed consumer choices.
The order is expected to impact a wide range of food businesses, including quick-service restaurants, cafés and catering services, many of which use analogue products as cost-effective alternatives.
Consumers can register complaints regarding non-compliance through the FDA’s toll-free helpline.