Maharashtra FDA Introduces Milk Traceability

The Maharashtra FDA has announced plans to introduce end-to-end traceability of milk to combat adulteration. The project aims to digitize milking records and link them to milch animals, enabling authorities to monitor real milk output.

The initiative is currently in its early stages and will be rolled out once the project report for digitization of milking records is completed. Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe stated that all milk collection centers will be required to upload their data to a portal, which will be managed and monitored by the FDA.

In a separate development, the Bombay High Court has directed Amazon to hand over expired and perished goods from its Bhiwandi warehouse to the Maharashtra FDA for scientific disposal. The court ordered Amazon to prepare an inventory of all expired and perished items at the warehouse and hand them over to the concerned FDA officer, with Amazon bearing the cost of the exercise.

The Bombay High Court also ordered the FDA to file its affidavit by August 27 in response to Amazon's plea challenging the action taken against the warehouse's license. The FDA has been cracking down on milk adulteration, banning analogue paneer in Maharashtra for a year and banning the sale of junk foods in and around schools.

## What it means The introduction of end-to-end traceability of milk is a significant step towards combating adulteration in Maharashtra. The move is expected to help authorities monitor real milk output and prevent the sale of adulterated milk. The FDA's efforts to crack down on milk adulteration and ensure the safe sale of food products are crucial for public health.

## Why it matters The Maharashtra FDA's initiative to introduce end-to-end traceability of milk is important because it will help to ensure the safety and quality of milk consumed by the public. The move is also significant because it will help to prevent the economic losses caused by milk adulteration. The Bombay High Court's directive to Amazon to hand over expired goods for disposal is also important because it ensures that expired and perished goods are disposed of in a scientific and safe manner.

The FDA's actions are part of a larger effort to ensure the safety and quality of food products in Maharashtra. The agency has conducted a large number of raids across the state on restaurants, eateries, and caterers' outlets, and has increased its testing capacity. While some establishments have claimed that the FDA's actions are harsh and not in adherence to legal provisions, the agency's efforts are crucial for protecting public health.