The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a new advisory asking milk producers and vendors across India to obtain mandatory registration or a licence before running their business.
The move aims to strengthen food safety rules and prevent the sale of unsafe or adulterated milk in the market.
According to the advisory released on March 11, the regulator has noticed that many milk producers and vendors are operating without the required registration or licence.
Who Must Register With FSSAI?
FSSAI has clarified that all milk producers must register with the authority unless they are members of a dairy cooperative society and supply their entire milk production to that society.
Producers who sell milk independently, as well as milk vendors who sell milk directly to consumers, must obtain proper registration or a licence before continuing their operations.
These rules are meant to ensure that milk being sold in the market follows safety and quality standards.
Crackdown After Milk Adulteration Concerns
The advisory comes amid growing concerns about milk adulteration reported in several states and union territories.
To deal with the issue, FSSAI has asked central and state enforcement agencies to ensure that milk producers and vendors have valid registration certificates or licences.
Officials such as designated officers, central licensing authorities, and food safety officers have been instructed to verify compliance during inspections.
Regular Inspections of Milk Storage Facilities
Authorities have also been directed to carry out regular inspections of milk chillers used by producers and vendors.
These checks will ensure that milk is stored at the correct temperature and that storage equipment is properly maintained.
Proper storage is essential to prevent milk from spoiling and to protect public health.
If any violations are found during inspections, strict action may be taken against those responsible.
Special Registration Drives to Be Conducted
FSSAI has also asked states and union territories to organise special registration drives.
These drives will focus on identifying milk producers who are not part of dairy cooperative societies and ensuring they obtain the required licence or registration.
The regulator has reminded authorities that similar directions were issued earlier on December 16, 2025, asking enforcement agencies to conduct regular inspection drives for milk and milk products.
As part of that effort, agencies are required to submit action taken reports twice every month to monitor compliance and improve food safety standards across the country.
