NHRC Seeks Clarification on Safety and Labelling of Analog Paneer

The National Human Rights Commission has raised a series of questions for the FSSAI regarding the safety and labeling of the so‑called analog paneer, a non‑dairy alternative gaining popularity across Indian markets. The commission’s bench, led by Justice Priyank Kanhungo, has asked for a detailed breakdown of the product’s compositional standards and the scientific basis for its classification as a cheese analogue.

Key points of the request include: - The regulatory framework that currently governs the manufacturing of analog paneer. - Nutritional data comparing the product with traditional dairy paneer. - Potential health risks linked to its consumption, especially for vulnerable groups. - The testing methodologies employed to verify compliance with food‑safety norms, including the role of beta‑sitosterol assays.

State and UT officials have been instructed to submit information on local production units, distribution networks, and any infractions detected during routine inspections. The NHRC also emphasized the importance of consumer awareness, demanding that labels clearly state the product’s non‑dairy nature and its nutritional content.