The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has introduced a comprehensive compliance framework for the milk and dairy sector, tightening food safety requirements across the supply chain and warning of penalties of up to ₹10 lakh for violations.
Announcing the move, Tukaram Mundhe said the new directives consolidate multiple regulations into a unified set of compliance guidelines aimed at ensuring consistent implementation and reducing food adulteration.
The guidelines cover the entire milk ecosystem, spanning milk collection centres, cooling facilities, pasteurisation and homogenisation units, UHT processing plants, packaging centres, distributors, wholesalers, loose milk vendors, automatic milk vending operators, dairy product manufacturers and retailers.
According to the FDA, violations including operating without licences or registration, misleading advertisements, false product claims and milk adulteration could attract fines of up to ₹10 lakh. Authorities indicated that maximum permissible penalties may be imposed to create a stronger deterrent against non-compliance.
The department said the framework was developed after consultations with milk producers and dairy manufacturers, alongside training programmes focused on food safety practices and preventive measures.
As part of the revised requirements, establishments will need to conduct regular Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) assessments and maintain updated records. The guidelines also mandate the use of food-grade stainless steel equipment and storage systems, along with robust pest management protocols.
The FDA has also tightened accountability in milk transportation. Businesses involved in milk procurement and logistics will be required to maintain records of registered operators, while milk tankers must undergo hygiene inspections. Authorities said transporters and receiving businesses will both be held responsible if violations are identified.
Mundhe noted that earlier inspections in the hospitality sector had uncovered cases where establishments submitted fake pest-control certificates. He warned that similar instances of non-compliance could result in licence cancellations and stricter enforcement action.