CUP Cracks Down on Fake Dairy Products, Orders Adulterated Milk and Cheese Destroyed

The Uttar Pradesh government has intensified its crackdown on adulterated dairy products, banning the manufacture of analog dairy products and ordering strict action against units found using harmful chemicals or foreign fats.

Following similar measures in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir and Madhya Pradesh, the state has directed officials to immediately seize and destroy milk, ghee, khoya, cheese, cream and other dairy products if they are found to contain prohibited substances.

In a revised order issued on August 15, Food Safety and Drug Administration Commissioner Roshan Jacob directed officials to enforce the measures with immediate effect. The order follows inspections across several districts that reportedly detected adulterants in milk and milk products.

Officials found evidence of substances including refined oils and fats, soy and soy-based products, talcum powder, detergents, titanium dioxide, liquid glucose, Safolite, Ranipal, Tinopal, hydrogen peroxide and various neutralising chemicals being used in the manufacture of dairy products.

According to the order, such products are often made using inexpensive and substandard ingredients and can pose serious health risks. Authorities said preventing their manufacture and sale is necessary in the interest of public health under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

If foreign fats or harmful chemicals are detected at a dairy manufacturing facility, all affected milk products on the premises will be confiscated and destroyed. Authorities will also issue an immediate prohibition order under Section 34 of the Act, halting production at the facility.

The establishment’s food licence will be suspended, an FIR will be registered and the sale of the concerned brand will be prohibited across Uttar Pradesh.

The government has also directed officials to act against products manufactured outside Uttar Pradesh. If harmful chemicals or foreign fats are confirmed in milk or milk products produced in another state, the sale of the concerned brand will be banned throughout Uttar Pradesh.