The Uttar Pradesh government has stepped up its action against the manufacture and sale of adulterated dairy products. Following similar measures in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jammu & Kashmir and Madhya Pradesh, the state has ordered strict action against dairy units found using harmful chemicals, synthetic substances or non-dairy fats in milk and milk-based products.
The directions were issued by Dr Roshan Jacob, Commissioner of the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA), through a revised order dated August 15. Officials have been asked to implement the measures with immediate effect.
Dairy Products Found Adulterated to Face Seizure
Under the new directions, if foreign fats or harmful chemicals are detected in a dairy manufacturing unit, all dairy products stored at the premises will be seized and destroyed.
The action will cover products such as milk, ghee, khoya, paneer, cream and other dairy items. Authorities will also stop manufacturing operations at the concerned unit and initiate proceedings for suspension of its food licence.
The move follows inspections and enforcement drives conducted across several districts, during which adulteration was confirmed in samples collected from milk and dairy product units.
Harmful Chemicals Detected During Inspections
Officials have reported the use of several low-cost substances and chemicals in the preparation of dairy products. These include refined oils and fats, soybean and soybean-based products, talcum powder, detergent, titanium dioxide, liquid glucose, sepholite, ranipal, tinopal, hydrogen peroxide and various neutralising agents.
According to the food safety authorities, the use of such materials can make dairy products unsafe for consumption. Products manufactured using poor-quality ingredients and potentially harmful chemicals can pose serious risks to public health.
The government has cited the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, while directing officials to prevent the manufacture and distribution of such products.
FIR, Licence Suspension and Statewide Brand Ban
The revised order lays down strict measures against establishments found using foreign fats or harmful chemicals. An emergency prohibition order will be issued under Section 34 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, stopping production at the unit with immediate effect.
The establishment will also face criminal proceedings, with an FIR to be registered against those responsible. In addition, the concerned food licence will be suspended immediately.
The government has further ordered a statewide ban on the sale of the affected brand. Through these measures, the Uttar Pradesh administration aims to prevent adulterated dairy products from reaching consumers and strengthen enforcement across the state’s dairy sector.
