In a significant move to safeguard public health, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated a nationwide crackdown on the sale of adulterated milk and paneer. The directive calls for intensified surveillance and enforcement drives across all states and union territories.
Nationwide Enforcement Drive Initiated
The food safety regulator has instructed its state counterparts and commissioners to conduct special enforcement drives. The focus is squarely on identifying and taking stringent action against businesses and vendors involved in the adulteration of these daily essential dairy products. Adulterants often include harmful substances like urea, detergents, formalin, and starch, which pose serious health risks.
The crackdown is not a one-time event but part of sustained efforts to ensure compliance with food safety standards. Officials have been asked to collect samples systematically from various points in the supply chain, including production units, local dairies, sweet shops, and retail markets.
Health Risks and Consumer Protection
Consumption of adulterated milk and paneer can lead to severe health issues, including food poisoning, gastrointestinal disorders, and long-term organ damage. The FSSAI's action underscores the government's commitment to protecting consumers from such malpractices, especially with the high demand for dairy products in the country.
The authority has emphasized the need for rigorous testing in accredited laboratories. Legal action will be initiated against offenders under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which can result in heavy penalties and even imprisonment.
Public Advisory and Future Steps
While the enforcement machinery swings into action, consumers are also advised to be vigilant. The FSSAI has often shared simple home-testing methods to detect common adulterants. The success of this drive will depend on coordinated efforts between central and state food safety authorities.
This nationwide crackdown follows several localized actions and reports of adulteration, signaling a zero-tolerance policy towards food fraud. The move aims to restore consumer confidence in the quality and safety of milk and paneer available in the Indian market.
