Mumbai: In a major crackdown on milk adulteration and food safety violations, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a stringent compliance order covering the entire dairy supply chain. The new regulations mandate farm-to-plate surveillance, strict quality standards, and enhanced cold chain management, with violators facing penalties of up to Rs 10 lakh under applicable food safety laws.
The order applies to milk producers, transporters, distributors, processors, retailers, and sellers of dairy products, including paneer, condensed milk, milk powder, and ice cream.
According to the FDA, all dairy businesses must ensure milk and milk products conform to the prescribed standards for milk fat and solids-not-fat (SNF). The agency has also made it mandatory to maintain an uninterrupted cold chain at 4°C or below during storage and transportation to preserve product safety and quality.
Clear distinction between ice cream and frozen desserts
The FDA has reiterated that ice cream must be manufactured exclusively from milk or milk-derived ingredients and must not contain vegetable fat. Products containing vegetable oils or fats must be prominently labelled as “Frozen Dessert” or “Frozen Confection.” Manufacturers will also be required to clearly disclose the percentage of milk fat, vegetable oil, and vegetable fat on product labels.
Widespread violations detected
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said inspections conducted over the past month revealed that several dairy businesses were operating without valid licences or registrations.
Read More: Manipur Intensifies Dairy Modernisation Drive as Milk Production Lags Behind Rising Demand
He also disclosed that officials detected milk adulterated with substances including water, urea, detergent, caustic soda, starch, glucose, maltodextrin, neutralisers, hydrogen peroxide, formalin, and melamine.
In addition, laboratory analysis found antibiotic residues, aflatoxin M1, and other contaminants exceeding the limits prescribed under food safety regulations, raising serious public health concerns.
Stronger enforcement
The FDA said enforcement teams will intensify inspections across the dairy sector to ensure compliance with licensing requirements, product standards, labelling norms, and hygiene protocols. Businesses failing to comply could face prosecution, suspension of licences, product seizures, and financial penalties that may extend up to Rs 10 lakh, depending on the nature and severity of the violation.
The latest directive is part of the state’s broader effort to strengthen food safety standards, improve traceability across the dairy supply chain, and protect consumers from adulterated or mislabelled dairy products.
Join Our “Dairy & Food Jobs Updates” WhatsApp group
Follow the Agri Jobs Updates channel on WhatsApp:
Disclaimer
I do my best to share reliable and well-researched insights but occasional errors or omissions may slip through. Please view all content as informational.
Stay informed on all the latest news updates
All Agriculture Books Free Download
All Dairy Technology Books Free Download
All Agricultural Engineering Books Free download
All Horticulture Books Free Download
All Fisheries Science Books Free Download
For Daily Update follow us at:
Facebook Telegram Whatsapp Instagram YouTube
The contents are provided free for noncommercial purpose such as teaching, training, research, extension and self learning.
If you are facing any Problem than fill form Contact Us
If you want share any article related Agriculture with us than send at info@agrimoon.com with your contact detail.
