The FSSAI has directed all independent milk producers and milk vendors to obtain mandatory registration or a license, tightening compliance norms to curb rising cases of milk adulteration across the country.
In an advisory issued on March 11, the food regulator said it has observed that several milk producers and vendors are operating without a valid registration or license, in violation of food safety regulations.
According to the directive, all milk producers who are not members of dairy cooperative societies registered under the Cooperative Societies Act must obtain registration from FSSAI if they are engaged in the sale or supply of milk. The rule also applies to milk vendors selling milk directly in the market.
The regulator clarified that only those producers who are members of cooperative societies and supply their entire milk output to the cooperative are exempt from the requirement.
FSSAI has instructed enforcement authorities in States and Union Territories to ensure strict compliance, asking designated officers, food safety officials and licensing authorities to verify registration certificates during inspections.
Authorities have also been told to conduct regular checks of milk chillers used by producers and vendors to ensure proper storage temperature, hygiene and maintenance standards, as improper handling can lead to spoilage and pose health risks.
The advisory comes in the wake of recent incidents of suspected milk adulteration reported in several parts of the country. To strengthen monitoring, the regulator has asked States and UTs to organize special registration drives to bring all unregistered milk producers and vendors under the food safety framework.
FSSAI also reminded enforcement agencies that it had earlier directed regular inspection drives for milk and milk products, with action-taken reports to be submitted twice every month to ensure continued surveillance.