Key Update

The Gujarat HC (High Court) issued notices to central and state authorities after a petition alleged that regulators failed to act against the manufacture and sale of substandard compounded cattle feed pellets without mandatory quality certification. Haresh Vadar, a cattle rearer from Junagadh, filed the petition, warning that inferior cattle feed endangers animal health and may also harm humans through contaminated milk and dairy products.

Regulators Failed to Act, Plea Claims

Appearing for the petitioner, advocate Dipal Ravaiya told the court that officials did not initiate action under Section 16(5) of the Food Safety and Standards Act despite repeated complaints against manufacturers and traders selling non-compliant cattle feed. Ravaiya said RTI responses identified several manufacturers and traders selling cattle feed pellets without the mandatory quality mark. The petitioner submitted this information to the authorities but received no response.

Mandatory BIS Standards Ignored

The petition stated that manufacturers must register with the Bureau of Indian Standards and comply with IS 2052 quality norms to produce and market cattle feed pellets. However, many continue to sell uncertified products. The plea asked the court to direct the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, the Bureau of Indian Standards, their regional offices and the Commissioner of Food Safety to enforce regulations and curb the alleged violations.

Source: The Times of India