In Northern India, nearly 22% of milk and milk product samples failed quality tests over the past three years, with significant failures in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Despite regulations under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, weak enforcement has allowed widespread food adulteration. Legal actions have been taken against offenders, but stronger monitoring and stricter enforcement are needed to protect public health.
In the past three years, food adulteration has emerged as a critical issue in Northern India, with nearly 22% of milk and milk product samples failing quality tests. This troubling trend spans Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, reflecting serious lapses in monitoring and enforcement.
Statistics and Regional Breakdown
According to data from the Union Health Ministry, a total of 39,235 samples of milk and dairy products were analyzed in the region. Of these, 8,608 samples did not meet the required standards. Haryana reported the highest failure rate, with over 28% of its samples deemed unfit for consumption. Between 2021-22 and 2023-24, 12,165 samples were tested in Haryana, and 3,463 failed the test.
Himachal Pradesh followed with nearly 24% of its samples failing, as 1,433 out of 6,082 samples did not conform to safety standards. Punjab had 3,712 out of 20,988 samples fail the quality test. These statistics underscore a significant public health concern, with contaminated milk potentially causing nausea, allergic reactions, diarrhea, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues.
Regulatory Challenges and Enforcement
Despite stringent regulations under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, which outlines penalties for violations, enforcement remains weak. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), responsible for regulating the manufacture, storage, distribution, and sale of food products, conducts regular surveillance and inspection. However, the widespread adulteration indicates a need for stricter enforcement and monitoring.
Legal Actions Taken
Legal action has been taken in response to these findings. In Punjab, 3,216 civil and 204 criminal cases were registered against offenders, while Haryana saw 2,739 civil and 303 criminal cases. Himachal Pradesh recorded 926 civil and 141 criminal cases. The FSSAI’s efforts, including random sampling and penal actions against non-compliant food business operators, aim to ensure the safety and quality of food products.
The current situation highlights the urgent need for enhanced regulatory measures and stricter enforcement to safeguard public health and ensure the safety of milk and milk products in the region.
