FoodSafety – FSSAI Orders Nationwide Registration Drive for Independent Milk Producers
FoodSafety – Indian food safety authorities have directed states and Union Territories to intensify oversight of independent milk producers and vendors after a recent health crisis in Andhra Pradesh that has raised concerns about the regulation of the dairy supply chain. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an advisory asking local administrations to ensure that all milk sellers operating outside cooperative societies obtain proper registration or licences before conducting business.
Advisory Issued After Fatal Milk Contamination Case
The move follows a serious incident in Andhra Pradesh where 13 people reportedly died after consuming milk suspected to be adulterated. Health officials confirmed that several individuals, including elderly residents, fell severely ill, while seven people — among them three infants — continue to receive treatment in hospitals in critical condition.
According to reports from local authorities, the issue came to light on February 22 when a number of residents developed alarming symptoms shortly after consuming milk obtained from local sources. Patients reportedly experienced vomiting, abdominal discomfort, inability to pass urine, and severe kidney complications that required dialysis.
The incident prompted national food safety authorities to review regulatory compliance among milk producers who operate independently of cooperative dairy networks.
Mandatory Registration for Non-Cooperative Milk Producers
In a formal communication dated March 11, FSSAI Executive Director Dr Satyen Kumar Panda instructed state administrations to identify milk producers and vendors who are currently functioning without registration.
The advisory noted that several milk producers who are not members of cooperative dairy societies, as well as independent milk vendors, have been conducting food business activities without obtaining the required licences or registration under food safety regulations.
Authorities clarified that only producers who are registered members of recognised dairy cooperative societies and who sell their entire milk supply to those societies are exempt from separate registration requirements. All other producers and vendors must obtain valid certification from FSSAI before continuing their operations.
The directive emphasises that strict compliance with licensing and registration rules must be enforced to prevent unsafe milk from entering the supply chain.
Inspection of Milk Storage and Chilling Facilities
Alongside the registration drive, the food safety authority has asked enforcement agencies across the country to conduct regular inspections of milk storage facilities. Officials have been instructed to check milk chillers used by producers and vendors to ensure that appropriate temperature conditions are maintained during storage.
Proper refrigeration is considered essential to prevent spoilage and reduce the risk of contamination. Authorities said that failure to maintain the required standards could lead to enforcement action against the operators responsible.
Designated officers, central licensing authorities, and food safety officers have been directed to verify whether milk producers and vendors hold valid licences or registration certificates as required by law.
States Asked to Conduct Special Registration Drives
The FSSAI advisory also calls on state governments and Union Territory administrations to launch special registration campaigns in their jurisdictions. These drives are intended to bring all independent milk producers and milk vendors under the formal regulatory framework.
Officials have been asked to ensure that producers who are not affiliated with cooperative societies apply for the appropriate FSSAI registration or licence depending on the scale of their operations.
The authority believes that bringing all milk suppliers into the regulatory system will help improve traceability and strengthen monitoring of dairy products sold to consumers.
Ongoing Monitoring of Milk Safety
The advisory also refers to earlier instructions issued by the food safety authority in December 2025. At that time, the FSSAI had ordered a nationwide enforcement drive focusing on milk and milk products.
Under that directive, states were asked to carry out regular inspections and submit action-taken reports twice every month. These reports are required to be submitted by the 15th and by the final day of each month to ensure continuous monitoring of compliance.
Food safety officials say the latest directive reinforces the need for stronger oversight in the dairy sector following the Andhra Pradesh tragedy. By tightening registration requirements and increasing inspections, authorities aim to improve the safety of milk supplied to consumers across the country.