“To curb adulteration of milk, FDA Maharashtra to make plans”: Bhapkar

Milk adulteration is one of the key challenges faced by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Maharashtra, and plans would be chalked out to curb it and sell quality, hygienic milk. This was stated by state FDA commissioner Dr Purushottam Bhapkar while speaking on Monday. 

In this regard, FDA Maharashtra is currently in talks with several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and consumer organisations like Mumbai Grahak Panchayat for coming up with initiatives in curbing the malpractice. 

Shubhada Chaukar, member, managing committee, Mumbai Grahak Panchayat, said, “We have started a campaign called Pure Milk - Our Right to educate consumers about various types of milk adulteration and the ill-effects of the malpractice.” 

“We would encourage them to file complaints against those found indulging in adulteration,” she added. 

“But that is not enough to completely end adulteration. We need the help of state FDA and police officials, who would act against the culprits. We met Bhapkar, and sought his assistance,” she explained. 

Since the month of August, when Bhapkar was appointed state FDA chief, a great deal of emphasis has been put on food safety and the implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations (FSSR), 2011. 

Further, raids have been carried out in the state in the past two to three months in ensuring sale of safe and hygienic food at shops, eateries, restaurants and other places.

Commenting on the raids, Bhapkar stated, “As a recent appointee, the major concern for me is to provide safe and hygienic food to public during the festive season.” 

“Thus, with strict vigilance maintained by officials throughout the season, a huge Diwali campaign was carried out all over Maharashtra, wherein 1,695 samples of food specially made for the season were collected, and goods worth Rs 1,51,62,077 were seized all over the state,” he added. 

“Another prime concern for the state was governance and implementation of the ban of tobacco and gutkha, which came into effect on July 20, 2012,” Bhapkar said. 

“In the last two years, FDA Maharashtra seized gutkha and allied products worth Rs 44.33 crore. So far, 1,078 cases have been registered against them,” he added. 

“It must be noted that only scented gutkha and tobacco have been banned, and their raw forms haven’t,” he signed off.