The Gujarat High Court has stepped in to address serious allegations regarding the unchecked sale of substandard and uncertified compounded cattle feed across the state. The court has issued formal notices to key central and state regulatory bodies, demanding their response to a public interest petition that highlights a glaring lapse in oversight.
Petitioner Alleges Regulatory Inaction
The petition was filed by Haresh Vadar, a cattle rearer from Junagadh, through his advocate Dipal Ravaiya. It contends that despite clear complaints, neither the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) nor the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken action against manufacturers and sellers allegedly dealing in inferior cattle feed pellets.
Advocate Ravaiya informed the court that crucial evidence, including a list of manufacturers and traders flouting norms, was obtained using the Right to Information (RTI) Act and submitted to the authorities. The petition argues that the sale of such feed without the mandatory BIS quality mark is not only illegal but also a direct threat to livestock and public health.
Mandatory Standards Being Flouted
The petition underscores that registration with BIS is compulsory for the manufacture and marketing of cattle feed pellets, with IS 2052 being the prescribed quality standard. However, these products are reportedly being widely sold without adhering to these required procedures and certifications.
It was submitted that the use of such substandard feed can lead to severe health issues in cattle, including:
- Metabolic disorders
- Toxicity
- Infertility
These animal health problems subsequently endanger human consumers by potentially compromising the safety and quality of dairy products entering the food chain.
Court Directs Authorities to Respond
Following a preliminary hearing, Justice Aniruddha Mayee of the Gujarat High Court issued notices to multiple authorities. These include:
- The FSSAI
- The BIS
- Their respective regional offices
- The Commissioner of Food Safety, Food and Drug Control Administration, Gujarat
The court has directed these bodies to file their replies by January 29. The petition seeks explicit directions to ensure that all pellet manufacturers comply with prescribed guidelines and to effectively curb the alleged malpractice that poses a grave threat to animal health, dairy production, and public welfare.
