FSSAI Issues Advisory: Mandatory Registration for Milk Producers and Vendors

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an advisory directing all milk producers and milk vendors to obtain mandatory FSSAI registration or a license before starting or continuing their food business operations.

The directive applies to individual milk producers, private dairy operators, and milk vendors, particularly those not affiliated with dairy cooperative societies. The move aims to strengthen food safety standards and ensure the quality of milk supplied to consumers across the country.

Purpose of the Advisory

According to FSSAI, the advisory is intended to bring all milk-related food business operators under the food safety regulatory framework. By ensuring registration or licensing, authorities will be able to:

• Monitor milk production and distribution practices

• Maintain hygiene and safety standards

• Prevent adulteration or contamination of milk products

• Improve traceability in the dairy supply chain

Milk is one of the most widely consumed food products in India, and regulators believe stricter oversight will help protect public health and consumer interests.

Who Must Register

The advisory states that the following categories must obtain FSSAI registration or license:

• Individual milk producers selling directly to consumers

• Milk vendors and distributors operating independently

• Small dairy operators not part of cooperative societies

• Private dairy businesses involved in milk collection, storage, or supply

Members of recognised dairy cooperative societies are generally covered under the cooperative’s existing licensing framework and may not need separate registration, depending on their role.

Registration Process

Milk producers and vendors can apply for registration through the FSSAI’s online food licensing system. Depending on the scale of operation, applicants may require either:

• Basic FSSAI Registration for small operators

• State License for medium-scale businesses

• Central License for large dairy operations

The registration process involves submitting basic details of the business, identity documents, and information about production or distribution activities.

Ensuring Safe Milk Supply

FSSAI officials emphasised that proper licensing helps ensure compliance with hygiene, storage, and transportation standards. Registered operators are also subject to periodic inspections and must follow regulations related to:

• Clean milk handling practices

• Proper storage and refrigeration

• Safe packaging and distribution

• Quality testing to detect adulteration

Warning for Non-Compliance

Authorities have warned that milk producers or vendors operating without FSSAI registration or license may face penalties or legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The advisory serves as a reminder that all food business operators in the dairy sector must comply with national food safety regulations.

Strengthening Consumer Confidence

By bringing more dairy operators under regulatory oversight, the FSSAI aims to improve transparency and consumer confidence in the milk supply chain.

Officials say the initiative will ultimately contribute to safer dairy products, better quality control, and improved public health standards across India.