The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) along with a team of experts have developed guidelines which Food Business Operators (FBOs) dealing with milk and milk products may follow (Guideline/s).
These Guideline/s are issued for implementing good manufacturing practices(gmp) and good hygiene practices(ghp) by small and medium FBOs ‘in manufacturing / processing, packing, storage, distribution, retail and transportation of Food Supplements’. This being a guidance document is aimed at complementing the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and its related Rules. In the event of any conflict with the Regulation, the Regulation will prevail.
This industry Guideline is divided in to several parts and essentially covers the following heads–
- An overview of the existing dairy industry in India,
- Guidelines for implementing standards under Schedule 4 of Food Safety and Standards (Licensing & Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. The standards are on design, facilities, control of operations, maintenance, sanitation facilities, employee facilities within establishments, the personal hygiene of employees, product information, consumer awareness, conduct of training programs, maintaining records and documentations.
- Sub-contracting of dairy products,
- Detailed stepwise recommendatory guidelines for implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system by FBOs,
- An inspection checklist for FBOs to audit their operations,
- Mandatory and Recommendatory Proformas.
The Guidelines extend to the dairy sector including, milk and milk products like – liquid milk, UHT milk, condensed milk, fermented milk, flavoured milk, ghee, butter, cream, dairy whitener (WMP & SMP), curd, yoghurt, butter milk, paneer and cheese.
Despite including Mandatory Proformas such as Medical Fitness Certificate for Food handlers and Form of Guarantee in the last segment, the remaining portions include voluntary guidelines and Recommendatory Proformas.
Background:
The Dairy market in India despite being of great value has remained largely unorganised, making it difficult to cope with the increasing involvement of private companies. This coupled with changes in the dietary patterns, population and lifestyle of the citizens has compelled the government to introduce schemes that aid in the development of the dairy industry.
Source : Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
