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Food
Himachal Pradesh Prohibits Non‑Dairy Paneer in Hotels and Restaurants
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🗓 21 Aug 2026, 02:36 AM
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The Himachal government has issued a ban on selling non‑dairy products labeled as paneer, directing hotels and restaurants to comply with the new rule.
The state government of Himachal Pradesh announced a prohibition on the sale of non‑dairy items marketed as paneer. The order, issued by the Food and Civil Supplies Department, mandates that all hotels, restaurants and catering services stop offering such products under the paneer label.
Authorities say the move aims to protect consumers from misleading food labeling and to ensure that traditional dairy paneer is not substituted with plant‑based alternatives without clear disclosure. Establishments found violating the directive may face penalties as per the state's food safety regulations.
The directive comes amid a broader national discussion on food labeling standards, with several states reviewing their policies on dairy substitutes. Business owners in Himachal have been advised to update menus and train staff to differentiate genuine paneer from its non‑dairy counterparts.
The government will conduct periodic inspections to verify compliance and has opened a helpline for consumer complaints related to mislabelled dairy products.
Authorities say the move aims to protect consumers from misleading food labeling and to ensure that traditional dairy paneer is not substituted with plant‑based alternatives without clear disclosure. Establishments found violating the directive may face penalties as per the state's food safety regulations.
The directive comes amid a broader national discussion on food labeling standards, with several states reviewing their policies on dairy substitutes. Business owners in Himachal have been advised to update menus and train staff to differentiate genuine paneer from its non‑dairy counterparts.
The government will conduct periodic inspections to verify compliance and has opened a helpline for consumer complaints related to mislabelled dairy products.