- Why in news
- On 24 September 2026, FSSAI released a draft amendment to the 2011 Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales Regulations. It would bar the term 'Paneer' for products not made from milk.
- What it is
- The Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011 are made under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. They list foods and ingredients whose sale is prohibited or restricted. FSSAI is the statutory regulator set up under the 2006 Act.
- Parent regulations
- The Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales Regulations were notified in 2011 and have been amended from time to time.
- Proposed change
- A new clause is to be inserted under Regulation 2.1.1 covering paneer made of constituents not derived from milk.
- Effect on existing licensees
- Products licensed or registered under the 'Analogue in Dairy Context' category must stop using the word 'Paneer' in name, label or marketing.
- Draft stage and consultation
- The draft is taken up for consideration only after 60 days from the date the Gazette copies are made public; objections and suggestions are invited.
- Legal basis
- The draft is issued with the previous approval of the Central Government under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Don’t confuse with Draft vs final regulation: This is only a draft open to public comment. It has no legal force until finally notified.
Don’t confuse with Analogue product vs adulterated product: An analogue is a lawful substitute sold under its own category. The issue is misleading naming, not adulteration.
Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.
Why it matters
- Protects consumers' right to information by matching food names to actual composition.
- Gives clear labelling rules and helps genuine dairy paneer makers.
Problems
- Enforcement across a large informal market of small sellers and restaurants is hard.
- Existing licensed analogue makers face relabelling and compliance costs.
Way forward
- Finalise after considering stakeholder comments, with a reasonable transition period.
- Pair the rule with testing, inspections and consumer awareness on labels.
Put in your answer
FSS Act, 2006: Statutory basis for FSSAI and its regulations; consolidates earlier food laws into one framework.
Consumer information: Example of regulation aimed at letting consumers make informed choices through accurate naming and labelling.
- 2021Mains GS4 · Q11Ethics case: food product approved for export, then domestic launch with approvals.
- 2018Prelims Q23Does FSS Act 2006 replace PFA 1954, and is FSSAI under DGHS?
- 2016Prelims Q34Which information must be on pre-packaged food labels under the 2011 Regulations?
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Draft rule only; lasting topic on food labelling, with a legal basis but little chance of a direct question until notified.
Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.