Dairy News

Rampant : Adulteration of Milk in India

Wednesday, 28/08/13

http://nvonews.com/2013/08/28/rampant-adulteration-of-milk-in-india/

New Delhi: In the National Survey conducted by the Food Safety and Standards of Authority of India (FSSAI) to ascertain the quality of milk throughout the country, 68.4% samples were found to be non-conforming to Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011. State-wise details of non-conforming samples in the descending order of percentage with respect to the total samples collected in different States / UTs are annexed.

No such data is maintained centrally by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, the nodal agency for the purpose to regulate manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of articles of food, and to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.

The implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 rests with State/UT Governments. Random samples of food items including milk are drawn by the State Food Safety Officers and sent to the designated food testing laboratories for analysis.  Penal action is taken against the offenders, in case samples are found to be not conforming to the provisions of the FSS Act and Regulations made thereunder. There is an outlay of Rs. 1500 crore in the 12th Five Year Plan to strengthen the food regulatory system at  the State level.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha yesterday.