Mother Dairy Faces Scrutiny Over Early Milk Spoilage in India

Mother Dairy, one of the largest milk processors in India, is facing significant scrutiny following reports that its packaged milk spoiled 11 days before the printed expiry date. This issue has prompted widespread questions regarding the company's quality checks and cold-chain management.

Consumers have taken to social media platforms and local forums to report instances where sealed packets of Mother Dairy milk appeared spoiled or had an off smell and texture well ahead of the “best before” date. These anecdotal claims, including comments fr om residents in various parts of India, suggest potential storage, distribution, or refrigeration lapses before reaching retail outlets.

The controversy highlights broader concerns about food safety protocols in the Indian dairy sector, wh ere maintaining cold-chain integrity fr om processing plants to retailers is critical for ensuring product shelf life. Experts note that milk can spoil prematurely if temperature controls are inconsistent at any stage of distribution, which not only affects quality but also erodes consumer confidence.

Industry and food safety watchdogs have previously flagged quality issues with major dairy brands, including cases wh ere samples from companies like Mother Dairy were found to be sub-standard, though not necessarily unsafe. Such histories increase scrutiny when fresh reports of early spoilage arise, pressuring regulatory bodies like the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to enforce stricter monitoring.

For dairy producers, processors, and buyers, these developments underscore the operational importance of effective cold-chain management, accurate expiry date labeling, and maintaining consumer trust. Addressing premature spoilage is crucial to prevent product waste and financial loss, as well as to sustain consumer confidence in leading market brands.