FSSAI guidelines for the packaging of Milk & Milk Products

Milk packaging has changed from the traditional methods to new innovative methods. Keeping the consumers’ convenience in view, the packaging is done in different types of impressive package containers. In 80s and 90s the milk used to be packed in glass bottles, but now we get it in impressive packaging materials and at present time, only a small proportion of glass bottles are being used in milk packaging.

Guidelines for Milk Packaging

The reason behind the change in packaging can be read as:

• Changing Life Style
• Demand of the consumers
• Ecological factors
• Cost of Production & Recycling

Despite having various choices available for the packaging of Milk & Milk Products, like Glass bottles, Plastic Bottles, Cans & Cartons and Pouches; Pouches are found more preferred. Reason behind this is that:-

 i) They are cheap 

ii) Convenient & Easy to Handle 

iii) Occupies less space

Thermoformed plastic bottle being used for Milk Packaging is considered of good quality because of its resistance to wide temperature range and UV rays, also they are highly stable. 

The dairy industry comprises of Livestock, Dairy Farming, Dairy Packaging & Product Distribution. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has laid down certain guidelines for the packaging of Milk & Milk Products. They are:

1) The heat-treated milk and milk product shall be carried out mechanically and the sealing of the containers shall be carried out automatically.

2) Only those containers could be reused for packaging of Milk & Milk products which can be used after thorough cleaning and disinfecting; others may be discarded.

3) Sealing of containers carrying Milk & Milk products shall be carried out in a place where the last heat-treatment of drinking milk or liquid milk-base products has been carried out. Immediately after filling the product, the container must be sealed properly sealed to avoid any adverse effects of external organisms on its characteristic. The sealing device shall be so that once the container has been opened, the evidence of the opening remains clear and easy to check.

4) Immediately after packaging, the dairy products shall be placed in the rooms provided for storage.