Mumbai: The Maharashtra FDA has imposed a one-year statewide ban on the manufacture, storage, sale and distribution of analogue (non-dairy) paneer after over one-third of tested samples failed food safety standards. Violators face strict legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act. The gazette notification published on Tuesday invokes powers under Section 30(2)(a) read with Sections 18 and 29 of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act), 2006. Hotels, restaurants, caterers, cloud kitchens, and local eateries are explicitly forbidden from using, preparing, serving, or stocking analogue paneer in any dish. Analogue paneer lacks the primary nutritional benefits, particularly protein, expected by consumers, especially vegetarians who rely on genuine dairy paneer.