Zomato Implements Strict Policy Against Analogue Dairy Products

Zomato has announced a stringent zero-tolerance policy regarding analogue dairy products sold by its partnered restaurants. This initiative aims to improve food quality and transparency for consumers, following recent regulatory actions by the FSSAI against food safety violations. Restaurants are required to switch to natural dairy or remove analogue items from their menus. The policy reflects Zomato's commitment to safeguarding customer health and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. As regulatory scrutiny increases, Zomato's actions align with broader efforts to promote healthier food choices.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 1, 2026, 12:44 IST

Zomato's New Policy on Dairy Products

Representational Image

New Delhi, Aug 31: On Monday, Zomato, the food delivery service, announced a strict zero-tolerance stance regarding the sale of analogue dairy items by its partnered restaurants. This decision follows recent actions taken by the food regulatory authority, FSSAI, against various establishments.

The initiative aims to enhance transparency and ensure food quality for consumers. Zomato has cautioned that restaurants that do not adhere to these new guidelines may face removal from the platform.

As part of this policy, restaurant partners are required to transition to using natural dairy products. If an immediate switch is not feasible, they must eliminate any dishes containing analogue dairy from their menus.

Additionally, restaurants are instructed to thoroughly check product labels and ingredient lists from suppliers to confirm the authenticity of the ingredients used, ensuring that the offerings on Zomato are accurately represented.

Aditya Mangla, CEO of Zomato, emphasized, "Our primary mission is to provide better food for a larger audience, which includes protecting customer health and maintaining clear standards for what our restaurant partners serve." He further stated, "This policy embodies that commitment, which we are pursuing alongside partners who share our vision."

This policy change comes in light of increased regulatory scrutiny concerning food safety and adulteration issues.

Earlier this month, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) took action against two food businesses after inspections revealed violations of food safety regulations.

Licenses were suspended, and prohibition orders were issued regarding non-compliant ghee products and concerns over adulteration.

Moreover, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration imposed a one-year ban on the production, distribution, and sale of artificial 'analogue' paneer due to public health risks.

This decision was prompted by laboratory tests indicating that over 35% of recent paneer samples in the state failed quality assessments due to vegetable-fat adulteration.

As a result, hotels, restaurants, caterers, and cloud kitchens are prohibited from using, preparing, serving, or storing such artificial dairy substitutes, as mandated by the state regulator.

Zomato asserts that its policy aligns with relevant regulatory standards and is part of its broader commitment to promoting healthier food options and enhancing transparency for its customers.