Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam on Friday urged the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to provide milk traders and small-scale dairy operators in Mumbai with more time to comply with regulations introduced as part of the state’s crackdown on adulterated milk. He warned that an abrupt implementation of the rules could disrupt milk supplies and lead to higher prices for consumers.

Nirupam said traders were willing to follow the new requirements but needed adequate time to make the necessary operational changes. His remarks came amid the FDA’s broader enforcement drive to strengthen food safety standards across Maharashtra.

Nirupam Seeks More Time for Compliance

Speaking to ANI, Nirupam said traders had been instructed that only milk sourced directly from cattle sheds could be sold in plastic pouches, while milk transported through tankers would have to be packaged before being sold.

He said the dairy operators were not opposed to the regulations but required additional time to implement the changes.

“The way this entire action is being carried out is hazardous, and we oppose it. While we respect the underlying intent, those subject to these regulations must be given adequate time to comply,” Nirupam said.

He added that any disruption to milk traders’ businesses could affect household supplies and result in higher milk prices, directly impacting consumers.

FDA Intensifies Food Safety Enforcement

Earlier this week, the Maharashtra FDA suspended the food licences of three eateries in Mumbai after inspections found serious violations of hygiene and food safety norms.

According to the FDA, six inspections were conducted, leading to the suspension of licences of three food establishments in Bhendi Bazaar and Umarkhadi for failing to comply with food safety regulations.

The agency said one outlet’s licence was suspended on July 14 after a re-inspection carried out on July 13 found that 25 major deficiencies identified during an earlier inspection on April 16 had not been rectified despite an improvement notice issued on April 28.

Hygiene Violations Found During Inspections

During the re-inspection, FDA officials reported several violations, including wet and slippery kitchen floors, the absence of records relating to raw material procurement, missing drinking water quality test reports and a lack of documentation on the quality of cooking oil used.

Inspectors also found that the establishment had failed to maintain proper segregation between vegetarian and non-vegetarian food and had open windows without insect-proof screens, increasing the risk of pest entry.

The FDA said the enforcement action was taken after the establishments failed to address the deficiencies identified during previous inspections.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share