The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a comprehensive nationwide surveillance study on milk and milk products in a concerted effort to combat adulteration in these essential food items.
This initiative, which commenced this month, is scheduled to run until October, with the regulatory body expected to present its findings to the Health Ministry by December. FSSAI Advisor (Quality Assurance) Satyen K Panda provided insights into the ambitious project.
The surveillance study is planned to encompass a vast geographic area, spanning 766 districts throughout India. Over the course of the study, a staggering 10,000 samples will be meticulously collected for analysis. To ensure the thoroughness and accuracy of the investigation, two reputable agencies have been enlisted for this critical mission.
The Quality Council of India, an autonomous entity operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the National Dairy Development Board, has been tasked with overseeing the survey on behalf of FSSAI.
The scope of this extensive survey encompasses a wide range of dairy products, including milk, khoa, chenna, paneer, ghee, butter, curd, and ice cream. These products will be subjected to rigorous testing, focusing on key parameters such as the presence of adulterants, compliance with standard quality and compositional criteria, identification of contaminants, assessment of antibiotic residues, and examination of microbiological indicators.
The primary objectives of this study are to evaluate the compliance of milk and milk products with Food Safety and Standards Regulations and to identify areas where adulteration is particularly prevalent.
In addition to this, the research aims to formulate effective strategies for corrective action in response to any adverse findings.
The choice of milk as the focal point of this initiative is rooted in its indispensable role within Indian food culture, whether consumed as a fresh beverage or as a vital ingredient in various processed dairy products.
Satyen K Panda expressed optimism about the project's timeline, stating that they anticipate submitting a comprehensive report to the Health Ministry by December.
It's noteworthy that FSSAI has conducted five previous surveys on milk and milk products since 2011, with the most recent one conducted in 2022 across 12 states, including those affected by Lumpy Skin Disease.
In 2020, the PAN India Milk Products Survey gathered and analyzed 2,801 milk product samples from both organized and unorganized sectors across 542 districts. These samples underwent rigorous testing to assess various quality and safety parameters, including pesticide residues, heavy metals, crop contaminants, and melamine.
This ongoing commitment to monitoring and improving the safety of dairy products underscores the FSSAI's dedication to ensuring the health and well-being of the Indian populace.
