Key Update

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed all States and Union Territories to launch a special nationwide enforcement drive against adulterated milk and milk products, including paneer and khoya. FSSAI took this step in response to rising concerns over food safety and risks to consumer health. FSSAI issued the directive under Section 16(5) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which allows the regulator to take urgent action in the interest of public health. The provision enables FSSAI to coordinate swift and uniform enforcement across the country.

Adulteration Reports Trigger Enforcement Drive

Recent detections and intelligence inputs revealed widespread adulteration and misrepresentation of dairy products across several regions. Based on multiple reports of unsafe and illegally manufactured milk products posing serious public health risks, FSSAI decided to intensify enforcement. Under the special drive, food safety authorities will inspect both licensed and unlicensed dairy units. Officers will collect enforcement samples, verify Food Business Operator (FBO) registrations, and trace the sources of adulteration throughout the supply chain.

Regulator Orders Strict Action Against Violators

FSSAI has ordered strict enforcement measures wherever authorities detect violations. These measures include cancelling licences, seizing adulterated products, recalling unsafe items from the market, and shutting down illegal manufacturing units. Earlier this year, FSSAI conducted similar enforcement drives during September and October, when festive demand for milk and dairy products surged. The current initiative builds on those efforts to ensure continued vigilance beyond peak seasons.

Officers to Test Milk, Paneer and Khoya Samples

FSSAI has instructed Food Safety Officers to collect and test samples of milk, paneer, and khoya strictly according to prescribed procedures. States and Union Territories must take immediate and stringent action wherever officers find non-compliance. Through this nationwide action, FSSAI aims to prevent food fraud, restore consumer trust, and ensure the availability of safe and genuine milk products across the country.

Real-Time Reporting Strengthens Oversight

To improve monitoring and accountability, FSSAI has directed States and Union Territories to report enforcement activities in real time on the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS). Authorities must also submit fortnightly enforcement reports and strengthen inter-state coordination to curb the spread of adulterated dairy products.

Source: The New Indian Express