Key Update 

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed milk producers who are not members of dairy cooperative societies, as well as milk vendors, to obtain mandatory licensing or registration before starting or continuing their food business operations.

Registration Required for Non-Cooperative Producers

In an advisory issued on March 11, FSSAI said it has noticed that several milk producers and vendors are operating without registration or licences. The regulator clarified that all milk producers must register with the authority unless they are registered members of dairy cooperative societies under the Cooperative Societies Act and supply their entire milk output to the society. The requirement also applies to vendors selling milk. FSSAI emphasised strict compliance with licensing norms, especially in light of recent suspected cases of milk adulteration reported across several States and Union Territories.

Authorities Asked to Intensify Inspections

FSSAI has instructed Central and State enforcement authorities to direct designated officers, central licensing authorities, and food safety officers to verify whether milk producers and vendors hold valid registration certificates or licences. Authorities must also carry out periodic inspections of milk chillers used by producers and vendors to ensure proper storage temperatures and hygiene standards.

Special Registration Drives to Expand Compliance

FSSAI has directed States and Union Territories to organise special registration drives so that milk producers who are not part of dairy cooperative societies, along with milk vendors, obtain the required registration or licence. FSSAI also recalled its earlier directive issued on December 16, 2025, which asked authorities to conduct regular enforcement drives on milk and milk products. As part of this exercise, enforcement agencies must submit action-taken reports twice every month.

Source: News18