Nearly 22% of milk and milk products tested in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh failed quality standards over the past three years. The FSSAI’s ongoing efforts include legal actions and enhanced monitoring to combat milk adulteration and protect public health.
Milk Adulteration: A Persistent Issue
In recent years, milk adulteration has emerged as a significant public health concern in northern India. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) reports that nearly 22% of milk and milk products tested in the region over the past three years have failed to meet safety and quality standards. This alarming statistic highlights ongoing issues with food adulteration, particularly in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh.
Analysis of Milk Quality
According to data from the Union Health Ministry, a total of 39,235 samples of milk and milk products were collected and analyzed in the northern region. Out of these, 8,608 samples were found to be non-conforming. This represents a failure rate of approximately 22%, underscoring the extent of the problem.
- Haryana: The state recorded the highest rate of milk adulteration. Out of 12,165 samples examined between 2021-22 and 2023-24, 3,463 were deemed unfit for consumption. This equates to over 28% of the samples failing the quality test.
- Himachal Pradesh: Nearly 24% of the samples failed to meet the required standards. Out of 6,082 samples tested, 1,433 were found to be contaminated.
- Punjab: The state tested 20,988 samples during the same period, with 3,712 samples failing the quality tests, reflecting a significant issue with milk adulteration.
Health Risks and Legal Actions
Contaminated milk and dairy products pose serious health risks, including nausea, allergic reactions, diarrhea, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The widespread nature of milk adulteration in these states is a cause for concern, indicating a need for more stringent enforcement of food safety regulations.
To address these issues, legal actions have been taken against those found guilty of adulterating milk:
- Punjab: 3,420 cases were filed against offenders, including 3,216 civil and 204 criminal cases.
- Haryana: 2,739 civil cases and 303 criminal cases were registered.
- Himachal Pradesh: 926 civil and 141 criminal cases were initiated.
These actions reflect the efforts of state authorities to curb the practice of milk adulteration and ensure compliance with food safety standards.
FSSAI’s Role and Measures
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a crucial role in regulating the safety and quality of food products, including milk. The FSSAI sets scientific standards for food items and oversees their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import. The authority conducts regular surveillance, monitoring, inspection, and random sampling of food products to enforce these standards.
When non-conforming samples are identified, the FSSAI, through regional offices and state health authorities, takes penal action against the defaulting food business operators as per the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act), rules, and regulations.
The persistent issue of milk adulteration in northern India poses significant risks to public health. The high failure rates of milk and milk products in quality tests highlight the urgent need for stricter enforcement of food safety regulations. As legal actions continue and the FSSAI intensifies its monitoring efforts, it is crucial for both authorities and consumers to remain vigilant in ensuring the safety and quality of dairy products.
