To ensure the health and food safety of consumers in the packaged food and dairy sector, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has intensified its crackdown on big brands. After issuing notices to Nestle India and Hindustan Unilever, the regulator's central investigation teams now conducted an intensive inspection campaign by suddenly raiding the manufacturing units of South India's leading milk producing company Dodla Dairy and the country's popular 'Priyagold' biscuit manufacturer Surya Food & Agro Ltd. During the inspection, serious deficiencies were found in Good Hygienic Practices, raw material storage and labeling standards in the production units. After this, FSSAI has not only issued show cause notices to these companies, but also seized samples of suspicious material and sent them for detailed lab testing. There is a stir after this action in the regulatory bodies across the country, including the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) of Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. What was found in Dodla Dairy's plant: Flaws in chilling and fat standards A team of central inspectors conducted a surprise inspection at the processing plant of Dodla Dairy, which distributes milk, cheese, ghee and butter on a large scale in South India and western states. The main irregularities found during the inspection were as follows: Negligence in milk collection and chilling chain: Violation of the standards of temperature control (Cold Chain Maintenance) was found at the time of collection of raw milk. In many batches, the temperature of milk was recorded above the prescribed limit of 4 degrees Celsius, which poses a serious risk of bacteria growth. Discrepancies in Fat and SNF: The fat and solids-not-fat (SNF) content of finished packets of toned and standardized milk were found to be below the standards set by FSSAI, which directly amounts to adulteration or poor quality. Lack of sanitation in processing areas: Proper sanitization and 'clean-in-place' (CIP) protocols were not being followed in the floors and pipelines of the pasteurization unit and packaging hall. Lack of water quality report: Mandatory periodic microbiological testing report of water used for processing milk and washing utensils could not be submitted on the spot. These major irregularities were found in Priyagold Biscuit (Surya Food & Agro) In the production unit (Greater Noida/North India Plant) of Priyagold Biscuit, known to every household with its 'Haq Se Mango' slogan, the FSSAI team found serious violations in the storage and packaging standards of raw materials: Questions on the quality of palm oil and refined fat: Edible oils and vegetables used in making biscuits and cookies. Drums of fat were found to be lacking mandatory safety standards for trans-fat and acid values. Suspicion has also been raised about the use of heated oil (Total Polar Compounds – TPC) more than the prescribed limit. Deficiencies in dampness and pest control in warehouses: There were no adequate ventilation and anti-dampness arrangements in the storage warehouses of flour, sugar and flavoring agents. Pest control records were not found to be updated, creating a risk of insect and mold infestation. Misleading information in packaging and expiry claims: The font size of 'best before' date and nutritional information on some biscuit variants did not conform to FSSAI's 'Packaging and Labeling Regulations'. Claims of 'high fibre' and 'vitamin enriched' were found printed on the products without clear lab evidence. Immediate action of FSSAI: Notice, sealing of samples and warning to stop production Based on the inspection report, designated officials of FSSAI have taken several strict steps with immediate effect: Strict Show-Cause Notice: The management of both the companies have been issued notices under Section 31 and 32 and directed to file their reply within 7 to 14 days. Hundreds of kilograms of material sealed: Raw materials found suspicious, stocks of palm oil and finished batches of biscuits and packaged milk have been seized and sealed. Samples sent to lab: The seized samples have been sent to central laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) for testing. License suspension warning: If the lab report confirms chemical or microbiological adulteration, the operating license of the concerned production lines may be suspended or canceled with immediate effect. Food Safety and Standards Act 2006: What does the law say? According to the Food Safety Act, stringent penal provisions apply if public health is compromised, no matter how big the brand: Sub-standard food (Section 51): A fine of up to ₹5 lakh if a product is found to be of substandard quality. Misbranded Food (Section 52): Penalty up to ₹3 lakh for misleading labeling and false nutrition claims. Unsafe Food (Section 59): If the food is found unsafe for human consumption, the responsible officers of the company can be punished with imprisonment from 6 months to life and a fine of up to ₹10 lakh. Important Guidelines for General Consumers Consumers should carefully check the following points while purchasing packaged food and daily milk: FSSAI logo and 14 digit license number: FSSAI logo and valid license number must be clearly printed on the packaging. Sealing and leakage of the packet: If the packet of milk or biscuits looks loose, puffed or has oily leakage, then do not buy it at all. Matching Dates: Immediately notify the shopkeeper if there is overwriting or ambiguity in the manufacturing date, batch number and 'best before' date. Lodge a direct complaint: If any branded product experiences any abnormality in taste, smell or quality, consumers can lodge an online complaint directly through FSSAI's official portal fssai.gov.in or 'Food Safety Connect' app by uploading the batch number and photo.
