Maharashtra FDA plans digital tracing of milk back to animals

Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expects to introduce digital milk tracing within six months to a year. Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe outlined the plan at the India Today Conclave in Mumbai on October 10.

The proposed system would use Animal Husbandry Department records for animals with identifying ear tags. Matching those records with milk production should help identify discrepancies and trace adulterated supplies, Mundhe said.

The FDA is already inspecting hundreds of milk collection centres. Mundhe said the department compiled their list about 15 days before his remarks. Inspectors are checking product safety, hygiene and collection and manufacturing practices.

Mundhe reported improving compliance after inspections and enforcement. That is the department's assessment. Digital tracing remains a proposal rather than an operating system with demonstrated results.

He also discussed the Eat Right School nutrition campaign and inspections of pharmaceutical businesses. Deficiencies included rusty equipment at some manufacturing facilities, he said. The report does not identify particular companies.