According to FSSAI, it has come to notice that several milk producers who are not members of dairy cooperative societies and many milk vendors are operating without registering themselves or obtaining the required licence
The advisory comes amid recent reports of suspected milk adulteration in various states and Union Territories. Representational Pic/File
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Thursday issued an advisory asking milk producers and vendors across the country to mandatorily obtain registration or a licence before carrying out food business activities.
The directive was issued by the regulatory compliance division of the authority under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
According to FSSAI, it has come to notice that several milk producers who are not members of dairy cooperative societies and many milk vendors are operating without registering themselves or obtaining the required licence.
The authority clarified that only those producers who are registered members of dairy cooperative societies and supply their entire milk to such societies are exempt from this requirement.
All other milk producers and vendors must register with FSSAI before starting or continuing their business operations.
Advisory issued after milk adulteration concerns
The advisory comes amid recent reports of suspected milk adulteration in various states and Union Territories.
FSSAI has issued an advisory directing all milk producers (other than members of dairy cooperative societies) and milk vendors to obtain mandatory FSSAI registration or license before commencing or continuing their food business operations.#FSSAIAdvisory @MoHFW_INDIA @PIB_India pic.twitter.com/RjZvLwvHTB
— FSSAI (@fssaiindia) March 12, 2026
At least 13 people have reportedly died after allegedly consuming adulterated milk in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district, reports stated on Thursday.
FSSAI has asked enforcement authorities to ensure strict compliance with the registration and licensing rules in order to protect consumers and maintain food safety standards.
Food safety authorities at the Centre and in all states and Union Territories have been directed to verify whether milk producers and vendors possess valid FSSAI registration certificates or licences.
Officials have also been asked to inspect milk chillers regularly to ensure that the correct storage temperature and safety requirements are maintained. These measures are intended to prevent spoilage and safeguard public health.
Authorities may take action against those found operating without proper registration or violating safety norms.
Special registration drives planned
FSSAI has also instructed state governments to organise special registration drives within their jurisdictions.
The aim of these campaigns is to ensure that all milk producers who are not part of dairy cooperative societies, as well as independent milk vendors, obtain the required registration or licence.
Ongoing enforcement for milk safety
The authority noted that it had already issued directions in December 2025 to carry out regular enforcement drives for milk and milk products.
States and Union Territories have been asked to submit action taken reports twice a month, by the 15th and the end of each month, to keep the central authority informed about enforcement measures.
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