PUNE: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has imposed a penalty of Rs 60,000 each on two dairy owners based in Ahmednagar and Pune districts for serving sub-standard milk to patrons.
The FDA, Pune division had drawn samples of milk from various dairies operational within its administrative jurisdiction in a surprise drive conducted on June 17.
"The substandard samples were from two dairies operation in rural parts of Pune and Ahmednagar. They were selling this substandard milk in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. The samples drawn from them were found not up to the mark during laboratory tests. Hence, we have imposed a fine of Rs 60,000 each on both the dairies found at fault," said Shashikant Kekare, joint commissioner (food), FDA, Pune
This year's FDA report showed a total of 1,754 samples were drawn in Maharashtra between April 1, 2014 and March 31, 2015. Of these, 330 samples were of low quality and 94 samples were found unsafe for consumption.
The samples were taken from milk collection centres, tankers, processing units, local dairies and vendors and tested at notified public health laboratories. Officials have filed criminal cases against errant suppliers.
"We have already filed 39 criminal cases where the samples were found unsafe so far. Besides, we have recovered a penalty to the tune of Rs 25.78 lakh in 148 cases where the samples were found sub-standard," said a senior FDA official from the headquarters based in Mumbai.
Earlier, when the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 was in force, milk samples found not conforming to the set norms would be considered as adulterated and the officials were required to file a case against the dairy owner or supplier in the court of law.
"FDA officials would file a case against a supplier in the court of law even if the sample had less amount of fat. Now, with the new Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the FDA officials can only fine them for such offences. A case is filed against a supplier only when the sample is found unsafe for consumption," said Shivkumar Kodgire, assistant commissioner (food), FDA, Pune
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