OMFED will add QR codes to its dairy products

The Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation, known as OMFED, is preparing to put Quick Response codes on its dairy products. The federation said the system is intended to let customers check product information and support its quality and safety measures.

Paneer is scheduled to receive the code within a month. OMFED has already started using the system on ghee, while curd, rabidi and other products are expected to be included later. A new printing machine is being installed for the programme.

After scanning a code, customers will be able to see where and when an item was made, its usable period and directions for use. OMFED said the system would also help distinguish its products from goods sold under its name without authorisation.

The move follows complaints about adulterated products being marketed as OMFED goods. The federation’s managing director, Vijay Amruta Kulange, told OTV that the codes would be introduced “to prevent duplication and help customers track their authenticity”. He said the information would include the manufacturing location and date, the recommended period of use and instructions for proper use.

Demand for OMFED paneer rose during a four-month period as concerns were reported about adulterated chhena and paneer in several parts of Odisha. Sales reached 210,831kg in June, 229,949kg in July and 276,046kg in August, before exceeding 300,000kg in September.

OMFED authorities said the federation’s paneer is produced from milk supplied by dairy farmers and does not contain chemicals or milk powder. They also reported higher sales of milk, curd and ghee. Kulange said some inexpensive paneer sold in the market is made with low-cost palm oil and milk powder, which he said can be harmful and may not be suitable for consumption.