Govt, Aavin can’t take samples of pvt dairies

HC seeks reply on plea by milk producers.

Chennai: The Madras high court has restrained the Tamil Nadu government and state-run milk supplier Aavin from collecting samples of milk products of two private milk dairies, facing allegations of adulteration, for testing till further orders.

When two petitions filed by Hatsun Agro Products Limited and Vijay Dairy and Farm Products Private Limited came up for hearing before Justice M Duraiswamy on Tuesday, the judge passed the interim order.

The petitioners submitted that the private milk producers come under the ambit of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the state government has no role in governing them.

They also opposed Aavin collecting samples for tests. Aavin is a direct competitor and conducting such inspections would amount to an illegal exercise of its powers.

However, the companies willing to offer their products for testing by the FSSAI. Hence, they prayed the court to restrain the state authorities from conducting inspections and collecting samples of their products.

The judge then adjourned the matter for four weeks and sought the government’s reply on the plea.

It may be noted that in May state milk and dairy development minister K.T. Rajenthra Bhalaji had alleged that the private milk suppliers added chemicals to extend the longevity of their milk products.