Food regulator urges states to ensure licensing compliance and intensify inspections as concerns over milk adulteration persist
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has instructed milk producers and vendors across the country to obtain mandatory registration or licences before conducting milk-related business activities, seeking to tighten oversight of the dairy supply chain and tackle persistent concerns around adulteration.
In an advisory issued on 11 March, the regulator said it had observed that a number of milk suppliers and vendors were operating without registering under the food safety framework.
“It has come to notice that certain milk producers (who are not members of dairy cooperative societies) and milk vendors are operating without registering themselves or obtaining a license for carrying out food business activities,” the advisory said.
The regulator clarified that the requirement applies to milk producers and vendors who are not affiliated with dairy cooperative societies.
“All milk producers (other than those who are registered members of a dairy cooperative society under Cooperative Societies Act and supplies or sells the entire milk to the Society) and milk vendors are hereby advised to mandatorily register themselves with FSSAI, before commencing or continuing their operations,” the advisory added.
Focus On Adulteration Concerns
The directive comes against the backdrop of rising concerns over the quality of milk sold through informal channels. According to the regulator, recent incidents involving suspected adulteration have prompted closer scrutiny of the sector.
“In view of recent incidents involving suspected adulteration of milk in all states/UTs, strict compliance with registration/licensing requirements shall be ensured,’ the advisory noted.
Milk adulteration has been a longstanding food safety issue in India, particularly within the unorganised segment where small-scale producers and vendors sell milk directly without formal monitoring.
By requiring such operators to register, authorities aim to improve traceability in the supply chain and strengthen accountability.
States Directed To Check Licences
FSSAI has asked enforcement agencies in states and Union Territories to verify whether milk producers and vendors possess valid registration certificates or licences.
Officials have also been instructed to conduct routine inspections of storage infrastructure linked to the milk supply chain.
“Enforcement authorities of Central and all states/UTs are requested to direct the concerned Designated Officers/Central Licensing Authorities and Food Safety Officers to verify that all such milk producers and milk vendors possess a valid Registration Certificate or License, as applicable,” the advisory said.
The regulator also stressed the importance of maintaining proper storage conditions to prevent deterioration of milk.
“Additionally, it is also advised to inspect milk chillers (used by the milk producer/milk vendors) periodically to ensure proper storage temperature and necessary requirements of the chiller are maintained at all times, so as to prevent spoilage and safeguard public health,” it said.
Registration Campaigns Planned
To bring more operators under the regulatory fold, state governments have been asked to organise dedicated registration drives.
“States/UTs are also directed to undertake special registration drives in their respective jurisdiction to ensure that all milk producers (who are not members of dairy cooperative society)/milk vendors should have the requisite FSSAI Registration Certificate or License, as applicable,” the advisory said.
These campaigns are expected to focus on small and informal milk suppliers who may not currently be registered with the regulator.
Ongoing Enforcement Checks
The advisory also referred to earlier instructions issued by the regulator directing authorities to intensify enforcement checks on milk and dairy products.
“FSSAI has already issued a direction… to carry out special enforcement drive for Milk and Milk Products on a regular basis and action taken report on the same is to be shared with the authority on a fortnightly basis i.e. by the 15th and 30th or 31st of each month, without fail,” the advisory said.
Implications For Consumers
The directive is part of broader efforts by the regulator to strengthen monitoring of the dairy sector and ensure safer milk supplies.
Industry observers say bringing independent milk suppliers and vendors into the licensing system could improve oversight of the large unorganised segment of India’s dairy market. For consumers, the move may help improve transparency in the supply chain and reduce the chances of adulterated or poorly stored milk entering the market.
