Dining Transparency: Maharashtra's Paneer Policy

Maharashtra's FDA has enforced a directive for eateries to clearly differentiate between genuine paneer and substitutes on their menus. This decision aims to enhance transparency and protect consumers from being misled. The Hotel and Restaurant Association supports the move, ensuring compliance among its members to label cheese analogues appropriately.

The state of Maharashtra has mandated that all restaurants and eateries must inform customers if the paneer in their dishes is genuine or a substitute, according to a directive from the state's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) effective Thursday.

This action is aimed at promoting transparency and protecting consumers from being deceived by cheaper non-dairy substitutes. Establishments must explicitly state the use of cheese analogues on menus, billing documents, and all customer communications.

The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) is backing the initiative, collaborating with the FDA to ensure compliance. Industry stakeholders were educated on the difference between paneer and cheese analogues during a seminar organized by the FDA.