New Delhi: Representatives from the dairy industry and trade associations from across the country participated in a high-level discussion convened by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) at FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi, to deliberate on issues related to milk adulteration, quality enhancement, and regulatory standards for milk and milk products.
The meeting brought together stakeholders from the dairy sector, including members of the Milk & Dairy Business Association (All-India Registered), which was represented by National Chairman Dilip Agarwal, National General Secretary Narendra Mandil, and member Shivkumar Gupta.
According to association representatives, a memorandum was submitted to FSSAI outlining several concerns and recommendations pertaining to food safety administration, laboratory testing, and regulatory compliance.
Among the key demands raised were the constitution of district-level advisory committees under Section 2.1.15 of the Food Safety and Standards framework, and the appointment of judicial members to the appellate tribunals to expedite the resolution of food safety disputes.
The delegation also called for greater accountability in cases involving the seizure or sealing of perishable food products. It recommended that samples of seized perishable items be tested within two days and that Food Safety Officers be made responsible for ensuring appropriate cold storage arrangements until test results are available.
Another issue highlighted during the discussion related to laboratory procedures. The association argued that samples cleared by state food testing laboratories should ordinarily not be referred to the Central Food Laboratory (CFL), stating that such practices could undermine confidence in state-level testing infrastructure.
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The memorandum further referenced remarks reportedly made by former FSSAI Chief Executive Officer Pawan Kumar Agarwal during a visit to Gwalior regarding the risks associated with aflatoxin contamination. According to the delegation, contaminated cattle feed containing fungal growth can lead to aflatoxin formation in milk, posing potential health risks to consumers.
Industry representatives also urged authorities to ensure that Food Safety Officers collect samples only from the point of sale, in accordance with existing regulations.
Concerns were additionally raised over delays in laboratory reporting. While regulations prescribe that food sample analysis reports should generally be issued within 14 days, the delegation noted that delays are frequently encountered and requested stronger monitoring mechanisms to improve compliance.
Officials familiar with the discussions said stakeholder consultations form an important part of FSSAI’s efforts to strengthen food safety systems and improve regulatory effectiveness across the dairy sector.
The meeting comes amid increased national focus on milk quality and adulteration, with both central and state authorities intensifying surveillance and enforcement activities across the country.
As India’s dairy industry continues to expand, stakeholders say that robust food safety mechanisms, timely testing, and effective coordination between regulators and industry participants will be essential to maintaining consumer confidence and ensuring public health protection.
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