Under the updated policy, Zomato has instructed restaurant partners to transition to 100 percent natural dairy ingredients or remove affected menu items entirely if an immediate supply chain shift is unfeasible. Commercial kitchens are also required to audit supplier declarations and packaging labels to verify that vegetable oil- and starch-based formulations are not misrepresented to consumers under traditional dairy nomenclature.

Clinical nutritionists emphasize that while analogue dairy products—which substitute milk fat and milk proteins with vegetable fats, starches, emulsifiers, and flavorings—are not inherently hazardous, their nutritional composition diverges sharply from authentic dairy. Depending on the industrial formulation, analogues typically offer significantly lower bioavailable protein and calcium while frequently containing elevated levels of saturated fat, sodium, and stabilizing additives.

The enforcement actions also carry critical implications for consumers navigating dietary restrictions, vegan lifestyles, or medical conditions. Dietitians point out that while clearly labeled plant-based alternatives provide legitimate options for those avoiding animal products, analogue items formulated as cheap cost-cutting substitutes often fail to meet nutritional expectations and can introduce hidden allergens for those managing milk protein allergies or lactose intolerance.