India, May 3 -- Days after the Maharashtra government made it mandatory for hotels, restaurants and caterers to disclose whether they are using natural paneer or analogue paneer, confusion persists among consumers as well as those in the food business as to how to distinguish between the two products. According to industry representatives and health experts, the most visible difference is the price, with analogue paneer often selling at nearly half the price of traditional, milk-based paneer.

The matter has gained currency after state food and drug administration minister Narhari Zirwal directed food establishments to clearly mention on menu cards and display boards whether the paneer being served is natural or analogue. The move came af...