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Acting swiftly after the tragic deaths of four people and hospitalization of several others due to allegedly adulterated milk in Rajamahendravaram, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) officials conducted surprise inspections at milk distribution centres across Andhra Pradesh on February 24.
The raids targeted both packaged and loose milk outlets, collection points, and storage facilities as part of an intensive drive to restore public confidence in dairy products.
Raids Conducted Statewide
As directed by Food Safety Commissioner G. Veerapandian, teams collected numerous samples from various locations.
Assistant Food Controller B. Srinivas confirmed that inspections covered loose milk sale points, collection centres, and storage units.
In Vijayawada, raids were conducted at Currency Nagar, Prasadampadu, Pantakula Road, Fun Times Road, Krishna Lanka, and several other locations under the supervision of NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha.
A.P. State Joint Food Controller N. Purnachandar Rao stated that multiple teams carried out similar operations across the entire state.
Rapid Response Teams, led by Food Safety in-charge Director Neelakanta Reddy, gathered the samples, which will now be sent to laboratories in Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, and other centres for detailed testing.
Key Safety Regulations Reiterated
Officials stressed strict compliance with FSSAI norms during the inspections:
- Only stainless steel cans and tankers are permitted for milk transport and storage; aluminium and plastic are banned.
- All equipment must be thoroughly cleaned and maintained under hygienic conditions at every stage of collection, storage, and distribution.
- Milk traders must maintain complete records of farmers, cattle feed, water supplied to animals, and any water used in milk processing.
“Steps should be taken to prevent heavy metal substances and chemicals from entering the milk supply,” Srinivas warned.
“Failure to do so can cause severe health problems for the public.”
He also reminded traders that milk adulteration is a serious offence punishable with life imprisonment.
Purnachandar Rao added that all milk traders must ensure proper upkeep of their collection and storage points to avoid any future lapses.
What This Means For Consumers
This statewide action comes at a critical time when consumer trust in milk safety has been shaken.
The Food Safety department’s prompt response aims to quickly identify violations and prevent similar incidents.
Residents are advised to purchase milk only from licensed, reputable sources, check the packaging dates, and boil milk properly before consumption.
Authorities have assured that strict action will be taken against anyone found compromising food safety.
Results from the collected samples are expected in the coming days, and further updates will be shared as the investigation progresses.
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