Pune: FDA Makes Disclosure of Cheese Analogue on Bills and Menus Mandatory for Restaurants
Pune, 27th April 2026: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has directed all restaurants, caterers, hotels and fast-food vendors to clearly inform customers if “cheese analogue” is being used in food items instead of regular cheese or paneer.
The administration said consumers have the right to accurate information about food ingredients under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Officials explained that paneer is made from pure milk, while cheese analogue is prepared using edible oil, starch and other ingredients, making it a different product in composition and nutritional value.
The FDA said it is now mandatory for food businesses to mention the use of cheese analogue on bills, menu cards and electronic display boards. Manufacturers and suppliers have also been instructed to clearly state “dairy/cheese analogue” on sale invoices.
Authorities clarified that cheese analogue is not harmful to health, but its ingredients and nutritional content differ from paneer. Proper disclosure is necessary to prevent misleading consumers.
Consumers have been advised to check labels on packaged products, seek confirmation while buying loose paneer, obtain bills, and verify whether hotels separately mention paneer and cheese analogue in their menus.
The FDA warned that strict action will be taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 against manufacturers, suppliers and food business operators found violating the rules.
Digambar Bhogawade, Joint Commissioner (Food), FDA Pune, appealed to consumers to report any misleading practices on the toll-free helpline 1800-222-365.
