The FSSAI has introduced new guidelines aimed at improving hygiene and food safety standards for primary milk producers in India. These guidelines target small dairy farmers selling raw milk directly to consumers, emphasizing the importance of proper animal health, milking practices, and sanitation to minimize contamination risks.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has rolled out comprehensive guidelines aimed at enhancing the sanitary and hygienic standards of primary milk producers across India. These measures primarily target small dairy holders selling unprocessed milk directly to consumers and are designed to curb contamination risks while promoting safe milk production.
Focus on Environmental Hygiene
One of the core areas in the guidelines is environmental hygiene. Cow sheds must be kept clean, well-ventilated, and properly drained of dung and urine to prevent contamination. Adequate housing and manure disposal systems should also follow local authority guidelines. Potable water should be readily available for cleaning animals and equipment, with measures in place to prevent animals from accessing contaminated water sources.
Animal Health and Disease Control
Health of milking animals is another key area, with guidelines requiring that animals be free from zoonotic diseases such as tuberculosis, brucellosis, and other bacterial and viral infections that can be transmitted through milk. Dairy farmers are encouraged to consult veterinarians for disease control, and to follow strict rules on drug treatments. Milk from treated animals must be discarded for a prescribed period to avoid antibiotic residues, ensuring the safety of consumers.
Humane and Hygienic Milking Practices
The guidelines also cover milking practices, emphasizing humane and hygienic methods. Forceful practices like the use of oxytocin are prohibited. The udders of milking animals must be cleaned before and after milking, and the first few strips of milk (foremilk) should be discarded. Teat disinfection after milking, using methods like iodophor dips, is essential to prevent microbial contamination.
Milk Storage and Transportation Requirements
The handling, storage, and transportation of milk are critical to maintaining quality. The milk should ideally be distributed within 3-4 hours of milking or stored in refrigeration at temperatures of 4-6°C if kept for later use. Proper cleaning and sterilization of milk cans and containers are mandatory. Producers are required to scrub, rinse, and sterilize these containers using boiling water or dairy sanitizing solutions, with drying in sunlight recommended for additional bacterial control.
Personnel Hygiene Standards
To ensure milk safety, hygiene of milking personnel is vital. The guidelines call for proper personal cleanliness, frequent hand and arm washing, and wearing appropriate clothing during milking. Individuals with cuts or abrasions on their hands or those suffering from contagious diseases like cholera or tuberculosis must not handle milk or milk equipment. Regular health monitoring of milk handlers is recommended.
Enhancing Milk Safety for Consumers
These FSSAI guidelines are designed to enhance safety at every stage of milk production, from the health of animals to the cleanliness of storage and transportation facilities. By focusing on primary producers who operate outside of dairy cooperatives, FSSAI aims to provide safe, high-quality milk to consumers across India, ultimately protecting public health.
