The FSSAI has instructed all States and Union Territories to heighten surveillance on dairy analogs throughout March, aligning with the festive season’s surge in food consumption. Dairy analogs, defined under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, are products that mimic milk or milk products in appearance, texture, and functionality but contain non-milk ingredients, such as vegetable oil, fat, or protein, replacing milk components partially or fully.
This directive is part of FSSAI’s ongoing monthly surveillance initiatives aimed at curbing food adulteration and ensuring adherence to safety regulations. The intensified focus on dairy analogs seeks to address concerns over adulteration and mislabelling, particularly during periods of high demand like the festive season, to safeguard consumers. Products classified as dairy analogs are distinct from milk, milk products, or composite milk products, especially when major milk constituents like fat or protein are substituted.
FSSAI has emphasized that the increased consumption of dairy-related products during this time necessitates rigorous monitoring. The authority has mandated State officials to conduct thorough testing and label inspections to ensure compliance with regulations and prevent misrepresentation of dairy analogs as genuine dairy products. This move underscores FSSAI’s commitment to maintaining food safety standards and protecting consumers from deceptive practices in the market.