FSSAI Launches Nationwide Crackdown on Adulterated Milk Products to Protect Consumer Health

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a nationwide directive to all states and Union Territories to implement a comprehensive enforcement campaign targeting adulteration and misbranding of dairy products including milk, paneer, and khoya, amid growing food safety concerns.

New Delhi authorities confirmed that strict enforcement actions will be taken wherever violations are detected throughout the country.

This directive has been enacted under Section 16(5) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, granting FSSAI emergency powers to protect consumer health. The decision follows numerous reports highlighting widespread dairy product adulteration across India.

Officials report that many adulterated products are being manufactured and distributed by unlicensed operations, creating significant health risks. The regulatory body has emphasized that marketing adulterated or synthetic products as genuine dairy items constitutes a clear violation of food safety regulations.

The enforcement initiative requires State Food Safety Departments and FSSAI Regional Offices to conduct thorough inspections of all facilities involved in producing, storing, and selling dairy products. These inspections will target both licensed operators and unregistered businesses.

Food Safety Officers have received instructions to collect enforcement samples of milk, paneer, and khoya following established protocols. Additionally, they will verify the proper licensing and registration status of all dairy businesses.

An FSSAI representative explained that the advisory requires traceability investigations when non-conforming samples are discovered. This approach aims to identify adulteration sources and dismantle illegal manufacturing operations and distribution networks.

Enforcement measures for violations include seizing unsafe food items, suspending or revoking licenses, shutting down illegal operations, and recalling and destroying adulterated products.

For effective monitoring, states and Union Territories must promptly upload all relevant information to the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS), enabling consolidated analysis at FSSAI headquarters.

The regulator has also called for enhanced inter-state coordination and local intelligence development to prevent the movement of adulterated dairy products across state borders. Commissioners of Food Safety and FSSAI Regional Directors have been asked to personally oversee rapid implementation of these directives.

FSSAI officials stated that this nationwide initiative aims to rebuild consumer confidence, prevent food fraud, and ensure safe, authentic milk products are available throughout India.