Key Update

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has made it mandatory for 2,036 milk vendors, suppliers, and dairy units involved in the milk trade in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh to obtain an FSSAI licence. Authorities introduced the rule with immediate effect after 16 consumers died in Rajamahendravaram from consuming milk adulterated with ethylene glycol. A vendor operating in the district supplied the contaminated milk on February 14 and 15. Eight of the victims were elderly women. Two elderly consumers survived the incident, while two infants who consumed the adulterated milk continue to battle acute renal failure.

Investigators later found that the milk vendor, Addala Ganeswara Rao from Narsapuram village in Kurukonda mandal of East Godavari district, allegedly supplied the adulterated milk to around 110 customers in Rajamahendravaram city during those two days.

Two-Member Committee Formed

To strengthen oversight and prevent milk adulteration, East Godavari District Collector Kirthi Chekuri has constituted a two-member committee to ensure compliance with licensing requirements across the dairy sector. The committee includes District Animal Husbandry Officer T. Srinivasa Rao and District Food Safety Officer K. Supriya.

Meanwhile, a joint survey conducted by the Animal Husbandry Department revealed that many operators in the dairy sector were functioning without licences. The survey identified 661 milk vendors running small dairy units, 650 suppliers delivering milk directly to households, and 725 vendors involved in milk sales without the required authorisation.

₹5 Lakh Penalty for Non-Compliance

The committee has been tasked with ensuring that all 2,036 stakeholders obtain FSSAI registration or licensing immediately. Officials have warned that anyone involved in the milk supply chain who fails to obtain the required licence will face a penalty of ₹5 lakh. At the same time, the Animal Husbandry Department has assured support to dairy farmers and suppliers to help them complete the registration and licensing process.

Source: The Hindu