Maharashtra FDA Tightens Milk Safety Rules to Combat Adulteration
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a statewide order imposing stricter food safety norms across the milk supply chain. The move follows inspections that revealed repeated cases of adulteration, synthetic milk production, and other violations.
The order, issued by Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe under the Food Safety and Standards Act, applies with immediate effect to milk collection centres, dairies, transporters, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers. All operators must maintain traceability records from collection to sale, ensure proper cold chain, use food-grade equipment, and implement food safety management systems.
“Milk is not merely a food product; it is a nutritional foundation for millions of children, mothers, patients and senior citizens. Adulterating milk amounts to playing with public health. Such practices will not be tolerated in Maharashtra,” Mundhe said in a statement.
The FDA has warned that violations will attract strict legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, including possible suspension or cancellation of licences. Officials have been directed to intensify surveillance and random sampling across the supply chain to ensure compliance.
Maharashtra is one of India’s largest milk-producing states, with a vast network of cooperative and private dairies. The new norms aim to safeguard consumer health and restore trust in dairy products.
