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Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has informed that it has specified the standards of milk under Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. Further, the tolerance limits for various antibiotics and veterinary drugs in milk and other food products is specified in sub-regulation 2.3.2 of Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011 and amendments thereof.
All Food Business Operators involved in the processing and sale of milk are required to adhere to the specified Regulations. Implementation and enforcement of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 primarily lies with State/UT Governments. Commissioners of Food Safety of States/UTs conduct surveillance, sampling, inspection and enforcement drive through their food safety officials to ensure the quality and safety of milk and milk products conform to specified standards.
FSSAI has recognized and notified the 240 National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accredited food testing laboratories across the country. Also, for on-the-spot testing of adulterants in milk and milk products, 173 mobile food testing laboratories equipped with rapid milk analyzer have been sanctioned/ provided to the States/UTs.
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India has informed that it had issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories regarding the judicious use of antibiotics for the treatment of ailing food-producing animals. Further, it was also advised that the use of antibiotics should be discouraged, if not essential and the development, production and use of alternative antibiotic-free growth promoters should be encouraged.
The National Milk Safety and Quality Survey, 2018 was conducted by FSSAI. The details of the survey are available on the website of FSSAI i.e https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/press_release/2019/10/5da973ffaefcfPress_Release_Milk_Survey_Report_18_10_2019.pdf
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharti Pravin Pawar stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
