In a significant move to bolster food safety and curb milk adulteration, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a fresh advisory (F.No. RCD-11003/1/2021-Regulatory-FSSAI) dated March 11, 2026. This directive mandates that all independent milk producers and vendors must obtain official FSSAI registration or licensing to continue their operations.
Scope of the New Advisory
The advisory specifically targets milk producers who operate outside the umbrella of established dairy cooperative societies.
- Who Must Register: All milk producers who are not registered members of a dairy cooperative society under the Cooperative Societies Act, and all milk vendors, are now required to register with FSSAI.
- Exemptions: Producers who are registered members of a dairy cooperative society and sell their entire milk production to that society are exempt from this specific mandatory individual registration.
Enforcement
Central and State enforcement authorities have been directed to verify licenses strictly. Non-compliance may lead to legal action or the halting of business activities.
Who does this apply to?
The mandate specifically targets those operating independently of the cooperative system:
- Independent Milk Producers: Anyone producing milk who is not a registered member of a dairy cooperative society.
- Milk Vendors: All individuals or entities engaged in the sale of milk.
- Note: If you are a member of a cooperative and sell your entire yield to that society, you are already covered under their collective umbrella.
Driving Factors: Safety and Adulteration
The FSSAI noted that many producers and vendors have been operating without legal oversight. This new push for compliance is fueled by:
- Adulteration Concerns: Recent incidents of suspected milk adulteration across various States and Union Territories have necessitated stricter enforcement of licensing requirements.
- Public Health: By bringing these operators into the regulatory fold, the authority aims to safeguard public health and ensure the quality of milk reaching consumers.
Key Enforcement Directives
The advisory outlines several steps for state and central enforcement authorities to ensure compliance:
- Verification Drives: Food Safety Officers (FSOs) and Central Licensing Authorities have been directed to verify the valid registration or licenses of all milk producers and vendors in their jurisdiction.
- Special Registration Drives: States and UTs are instructed to launch special drives to help producers and vendors obtain the necessary certificates.
- Chiller Inspections: Authorities are advised to periodically inspect milk chillers used by producers and vendors to ensure proper storage temperatures are maintained, preventing spoilage.
- Regular Reporting: This advisory follows a previous direction from December 2025 requiring fortnightly "Action Taken Reports" (due by the 15th and the end of each month) regarding enforcement drives for milk and milk products.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
The FSSAI has made it clear that "appropriate action" will be initiated against any milk producer or vendor found operating without a valid license or registration. This directive has been circulated to all Commissioners of Food Safety across India and all FSSAI Regional Directors for immediate implementation.
This directive has been communicated to all Commissioners of Food Safety across States and UTs, as well as all FSSAI Regional Directors, for immediate and strict compliance.
Source: Media / News
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to avoid errors or omissions in this material. In spite of this, errors may creep in. Any mistake, error or discrepancy noted may be brought to our notice which shall be taken care of in the next edition. In no event shall the author be liable for any direct, indirect, special or incidental damage resulting from or arising out of or in connection with the use of this information.
CAclubindia
