FSSAI Orders States To Register All Independent Milk Producers Amid Rising Adulteration Concerns

FSSAI Orders Mandatory Registration For Independent Milk Producers The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an advisory making registration or licensing mandatory for milk producers who are not part of cooperative societies, as well as independent milk vendors. The directive comes after reports of adulteration in ghee, paneer, and milk, and a tragic incident in Andhra Pradesh where contaminated milk was allegedly linked to multiple deaths.

Ensuring Food Safety And Compliance
FSSAI has asked state authorities to conduct special registration drives and verify compliance. Food Safety Officers and Central Licensing Authorities will oversee the process, ensuring that all producers and vendors possess valid registration certificates or licenses before continuing operations.

Impact On Independent Producers
The advisory particularly targets small-scale and independent milk producers who often operate outside cooperative structures. By mandating registration, FSSAI aims to bring them under regulatory oversight, ensuring safe handling, proper chilling, and hygienic storage of milk.

Public Health And Consumer Protection
The move is expected to enhance consumer confidence in dairy products and reduce risks of adulteration. Authorities have emphasized that strict compliance will be enforced, with penalties for violators.

Key Highlights

• Mandatory registration for independent milk producers and vendors
• Triggered by rising adulteration cases and recent fatalities
• Special drives to be conducted by state food safety authorities
• Focus on proper storage, chilling, and hygiene practices
• Penalties for non-compliance to strengthen consumer protection

Sources: NDTV Profit, The Hindu BusinessLine, CNN-News18, The New Indian Express