Government Focuses on Infrastructure and Productivity In Dairy Farming
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) has clarified that it has no plans to introduce price support schemes or subsidies for dairy farmers. The department emphasized that milk procurement and sale prices in India are determined by cooperative and private dairies based on production costs and market forces.
Food Safety Checks on Dairy Analogues During Festive Season
Given ongoing concerns about the standards and labeling of Dairy Analogue products, including misrepresentation as dairy products, FSSAI has directed state authorities to conduct rigorous testing and label examinations.
Draft Notification of Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Amendment Regulations, 2025
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced key amendments to its food labeling regulations, aimed at providing consumers with clearer and more prominent nutritional information, particularly regarding added sugar, saturated fat, and sodium. The changes also mandate a specific logo for milk and milk products, and stricter front-of-pack declarations for coffee-chicory mixtures.
FSSAI Intensifies Efforts to Combat Food Adulteration
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is actively working to ensure food safety across the country through regular surveillance, monitoring, inspections, and random sampling of food products. Non-conforming food samples result in penal action against Food Business Operators (FBOs) as per the Food Safety and Standards Act, Rules, and Regulations.
FSSAI Revises Limits On Antimicrobials, Crop Contaminants and Naturally Occurring Toxic Substances
The new amendment regulations prescribe revised limits to crop contaminants and naturally occurring toxic substances in wheat, wheat bran, rye and barley. The amendment notification also prescribed a list of 14 antimicrobials and other drugs as prohibited for use in the production of meat, meat products, milk, milk products, poultry, eggs, and aquaculture.
FSSAI Removes Several Restrictions On Sale of Food Products
The amendment regulations have removed the requirements of AGMARK certification mark on the labels of sealed packages of Multi-Source Edible Oils and fat spreads. The amendment regulations also omit the restriction on sale of ghee having less Reichert value than that specified for the area where such ghee is sold.
FSSAI Proposes Amendments to Food Additives Standards
The proposed draft regulations now specify the fatty acid composition of milk fat extracted from milk and milk products, excluding composite milk products. A new standard for Haleem, a popular dish made with meat, lentils, and wheat, has been proposed. The definition of Mixed Masala Powder has been updated to include garam masala as a possible ingredient.
FSSAI Introduces New Draft Regulations for Primary Milk Producers
Primary milk producers must register with the FSSAI. Hawkers and primary milk producers who are not members of dairy cooperative societies will be exempt from registration fees. The draft regulations also propose measures for handling, storage and transportation of milk, dairy sanitation, hygienic production of milk and environmental hygiene.
Food Safety Authorities Step Up Vigilance During Festive Season
The food safety authorities across the country are intensifying their efforts to prevent adulteration of sweets, savouries, milk, and milk products like ghee, khoya, and paneer. The authorities have intimated the general public of their intension to hold special surveillance drives during this festive season.
Extension of Transition Period for Integrated Veterinary Health Certificate for Milk and Milk Products
The latest extension pushes back the deadline to October 31, 2024. Imported consignments of milk and milk products with bills of lading or veterinary health certificates issued after this date will only be eligible for post-import clearance if they comply with the requirements of the Integrated Veterinary Health Certificate.
