FSSAI Mandates Registration for Independent Milk Producers and Vendors, Orders Strict Enforcement Across States

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a nationwide advisory directing all milk producers who are not members of dairy cooperative societies, as well as milk vendors, to obtain mandatory FSSAI registration or licenses before starting or continuing their food business operations.

According to the advisory, authorities have observed that several independent milk producers and vendors are operating without proper registration or licensing, which is mandatory under food safety regulations. The regulator has clarified that milk producers who are registered members of dairy cooperative societies and supply their entire milk production to the cooperative are exempt from this requirement. However, all other producers and vendors must register with FSSAI to legally conduct business.

The advisory comes in the backdrop of recent incidents involving suspected milk adulteration reported from various states and union territories. To address these concerns, FSSAI has instructed enforcement authorities at the central and state levels to ensure strict compliance with registration and licensing requirements.

Recently, 13 people died and 11 others remain hospitalised after allegedly consuming adulterated milk in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district. The cases first came to light on February 22 after several elderly residents developed symptoms including anuria, vomiting, abdominal pain and acute renal dysfunction requiring dialysis. They were rushed to hospitals for treatment.

Authorities to verify certificates/licenses

Designated officers, central licensing authorities, and food safety officers have been asked to verify whether milk producers and vendors possess valid FSSAI registration certificates or licenses. The regulator has also directed authorities to carry out periodic inspections of milk chillers used by producers and vendors to ensure proper storage temperatures and maintenance standards. Ensuring correct storage conditions is essential to prevent spoilage and protect public health.

FSSAI has further instructed states and union territories to conduct special registration drives within their jurisdictions to ensure that all eligible milk producers and vendors obtain the required registration or license.

In addition, the authority had earlier directed officials to undertake regular enforcement drives for milk and milk products. States are required to submit action taken reports to the regulator every fortnight, specifically by the 15th and the last day of each month.