Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the apex food regulator in the country, is taking proactive measures to curb the adulteration of milk and milk products. As part of its ongoing efforts, FSSAI will conduct a nationwide surveillance campaign to assess the quality and safety of milk and milk products, such as milk, khoa, chenna, paneer, ghee, butter, curd, and ice cream. This large-scale surveillance will involve collecting samples from both the organized and unorganized sectors across all districts of the states and union territories.
Milk holds a significant place in our food culture, being consumed as a fresh fluid or as a processed dairy product. It contains essential micronutrients and macronutrients, making it a staple in the daily diet of people of all age groups. The changing lifestyle patterns and increasing health consciousness among individuals have further driven the demand for milk and high-value milk products in India.
The primary objective of this survey is to assess the compliance of milk and milk products sold in the country with the quality and safety parameters specified in the Food Safety and Standards Regulations (FSSR). By identifying hotspots for adulteration in milk and milk products, FSSAI aims to devise corrective actions and strategies based on the study’s results, ensuring the provision of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.
It is worth noting that FSSAI has previously conducted several pan-India surveys on various commodities, including milk. In the past, surveys were conducted in 2011, 2016, and 2018, collecting samples and testing them for critical quality and safety parameters. Additionally, in 2020, FSSAI conducted a comprehensive survey on milk products and desserts sold during festivals, assessing their safety and quality.
In 2022, FSSAI conducted a focused milk survey in 12 selected states affected by the outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in cattle. The survey aimed to ascertain the safety of milk by assessing the presence of antibiotics, pesticide residues, and heavy metals in the collected samples. The results indicated that the milk sold in the selected states was largely safe for consumption, providing assurance to consumers.
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FSSAI remains committed to monitoring the safety and quality of food products. The authority conducts regular surveillance based on emerging risks and outbreaks of food-related issues. With a history of conducting five surveys on milk and milk products since 2011, FSSAI continues its efforts to uphold food safety standards and ensure the well-being of consumers.
In conclusion, FSSAI’s nationwide surveillance campaign on milk and milk products underscores its dedication to providing safe and wholesome food for the Indian population. By assessing compliance, identifying hotspots, and implementing corrective actions, FSSAI aims to maintain the milk and milk products safety or of these essential food items. Consumers can trust that FSSAI is actively working towards ensuring the quality and safety of milk and milk products in India.
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