FSSAI issues standards for labeling of dairy analogues

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has published a consultation a paper to tackle widespread consumer confusion between traditional dairy products and dairy analogues—non-dairy alternatives like soy milk, almond cheese, and vegetable-based butter. Released on the FSSAI website, the Consultation Paper for Inviting Comments proposes stringent measures to ensure clear differentiation, enhance safety, and boost consumer awareness. The move responds to growing concerns over mislabeling and health risks, particularly during the festive season when consumption of both dairy and analogues surges.

Main contents include:

• Clarification of Labeling Terms: Dairy analogues (such as plant-based alternatives) must use the prefix “non-dairy” or “analogue” on labels and clearly indicate substitute ingredients (e.g., “contains palm oil as a milk fat substitute”) to avoid misleading consumers.
• Transparency in the Food Service Sector: Hotels, restaurants, and catering services using dairy analogues (e.g., “analogue cheese” or “analogue cream”) must indicate the nature of the ingredients clearly on menus, display boards, etc., to ensure consumers' right to know.

For further information (in English), click on the Link