FSSAI Intensifies Efforts to Combat Dairy Adulteration in India

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated a comprehensive nationwide campaign to address the issue of dairy adulteration. This campaign follows a high-level meeting chaired by Union Health Secretary and FSSAI Chairperson Punya Salila Srivastava. The focus is on ensuring consumer safety through rigorous monitoring and testing of dairy products such as milk, paneer, and khoya.

As part of the initiative, 'Food Safety on Wheels'—mobile testing laboratories—are being deployed across various markets in India. These labs are equipped to perform rapid, on-the-spot tests to identify contaminants, thereby improving the efficiency of the detection process. FSSAI is also promoting the use of rapid testing kits to streamline the detection of common adulterants.

FSSAI has instructed state food safety commissioners to take strict legal action against violators, including seizing sub-standard products and initiating legal proceedings. This measure aims to enhance public confidence in the domestic dairy market.

In addition to enforcement, the FSSAI is emphasizing consumer awareness and engagement. Citizens are encouraged to use mobile testing facilities to check the quality of their purchases. This initiative, termed 'Jan Andolan' or people's movement, intends to involve consumers actively in maintaining food safety standards.

The timing of this campaign aligns with growing concerns about the impact of dairy adulteration on public health and international trade reputation. By sustaining intensified surveillance, FSSAI aims to align India's domestic safety standards with international norms.