The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the apex food regulator in the country, has announced its plan to conduct a nation-wide surveillance on milk and milk products. This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts by FSSAI to curb the adulteration of milk and ensure the safety and quality of dairy products consumed by the Indian population.
Milk and its various products, such as khoa, chenna, paneer, ghee, butter, curd, and ice cream, play an indispensable role in the Indian food culture. They are consumed by people of all age groups and provide vital micronutrients and macronutrients. With changing lifestyle patterns and increasing health consciousness, the demand for milk and high-value milk products has been on the rise in India.
The primary objective of this pan-India surveillance is to assess the compliance of milk and milk products with the quality and safety parameters defined by the FSSAI. The surveillance will cover both the organized and unorganized sectors, and samples will be collected from all districts in the states and union territories. By identifying hotspots for adulteration, the FSSAI aims to devise corrective actions and strategies based on the study’s results and pave the way forward in ensuring safe and wholesome dairy products for human consumption.
It is important to note that the FSSAI has previously conducted several pan-India surveys on commodities, including surveys on milk in 2011, 2016, and 2018. These surveys involved the collection of thousands of samples from organized and unorganized sectors across towns and cities with varying population sizes. All samples were rigorously tested for critical quality and safety parameters.
In 2020, the FSSAI conducted the pan-India Milk Products Survey to assess the safety and quality of milk products and desserts sold during festivals. Over 2,800 samples of milk products were collected from both organized and unorganized sectors across the country. These samples were tested for various quality and safety parameters, including pesticide residues, heavy metals, crop contaminants, melamine, and microbiological factors.
Additionally, in 2022, the FSSAI conducted a targeted Milk Survey in 12 states where the Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) outbreak was prevalent. This survey aimed to assess the safety of milk due to the potential residual contamination resulting from the administration of antibiotics/veterinary drugs and insecticides. The samples collected were analyzed for the presence of antibiotics, pesticide residues, and heavy metals. The survey’s findings indicated that the milk sold in the selected 12 states was largely safe for consumption.
The FSSAI emphasizes its commitment to continuously monitor the safety and quality of food products. It plans to conduct surveillance based on emerging risks and outbreaks of any food-related issues. The organization has already conducted five surveys on milk and milk products since 2011, with each survey contributing to enhancing food safety standards in India.
Through this nationwide surveillance on milk and milk products, the FSSAI aims to strengthen its regulatory framework and ensure that consumers have access to safe and wholesome dairy products. By addressing adulteration and ensuring compliance with quality and safety parameters, the FSSAI is taking a significant step toward safeguarding public health and promoting the overall well-being of the Indian population.
In recent years, the FSSAI has made significant strides in enhancing food safety standards in India. The organization has been proactive in conducting surveys and surveillance on various commodities, including milk and milk products, to identify potential risks and take corrective measures. The focus on milk and dairy products is of utmost importance due to their widespread consumption and nutritional significance in the Indian diet.
The FSSAI’s previous surveys on milk and milk products have yielded valuable insights into the safety and quality of these products. By collecting and analyzing thousands of samples from both organized and unorganized sectors across the country, the FSSAI has been able to assess compliance with quality and safety parameters. These parameters cover a wide range of factors, including pesticide residues, heavy metals, microbiological contaminants, and other critical quality indicators.
The surveillance efforts have not only helped in identifying areas of concern but have also allowed the FSSAI to formulate appropriate strategies and corrective actions. By analyzing the survey results, the authority can devise targeted interventions to address adulteration and ensure the production and distribution of safe milk and milk products. Such initiatives play a crucial role in building consumer trust and confidence in the food industry.
The FSSAI’s commitment to continuous monitoring and surveillance is evident in its response to emerging risks and outbreaks. For instance, the targeted Milk Survey conducted in states affected by the Lumpy Skin Disease outbreak exemplifies the organization’s proactive approach. By assessing the presence of antibiotics, pesticide residues, and heavy metals in milk samples, the FSSAI effectively evaluated the safety of milk in those specific regions.
The surveillance efforts are not limited to one-time surveys but are part of an ongoing process to ensure the safety and quality of food products. The FSSAI remains vigilant and prepared to conduct further surveillance based on emerging challenges and issues in the food industry.
As the FSSAI embarks on another nationwide surveillance on milk and milk products, it is expected that the findings will provide valuable insights into the current state of the dairy industry in India. By identifying any existing gaps or areas of concern, the authority can take appropriate actions to rectify them and further strengthen the safety and quality of milk and dairy products available in the market.
In conclusion, the FSSAI’s nation-wide surveillance on milk and milk products is a crucial step in curbing adulteration and ensuring the safety and quality of these essential food items. By conducting regular surveys, analyzing samples, and implementing corrective measures, the authority continues to prioritize the well-being of consumers. The FSSAI’s efforts serve as a strong foundation for building a robust food safety ecosystem in India, ultimately benefiting the health and nutrition of the nation.
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