FSSAI’s Vigilance on Dairy Analogues

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has intensified its surveillance on Dairy Analogues throughout March 2025. This initiative coincides with the festive season when the demand for dairy products surges. The FSSAI aims to combat food adulteration and mislabelling during this high-demand period. This drive is part of FSSAI’s ongoing monthly product-specific surveillance efforts to uphold food safety standards.

About Dairy Analogues

Dairy Analogues are products designed to mimic milk or milk products. They contain non-milk constituents that either partially or completely replace milk components. These products are not classified as milk or milk products under FSSAI regulations. They may resemble milk in appearance and texture but differ in composition.

Regulatory Framework

The FSSAI categorises Dairy Analogues under specific regulations. According to the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, these products must not misrepresent themselves as milk or milk-based items. The regulations aim to protect consumers from deceptive practices related to food labelling and composition.

Surveillance Measures

FSSAI has mandated all States and Union Territories to conduct thorough testing and label examinations of Dairy Analogues. This includes checking for compliance with the established standards. The aim is to ensure that consumers are not misled about the nature of these products. Rigorous surveillance will help maintain food safety and uphold consumer rights.

Consumer Protection

The FSSAI’s commitment to consumer protection is evident in its strict enforcement of food safety regulations. By enhancing surveillance during the festive season, the authority seeks to prevent the sale of adulterated or mislabelled products. This initiative is crucial for maintaining public trust in food safety.

Importance of Compliance

Compliance with food safety regulations is essential for protecting public health. Non-compliance can lead to serious health risks for consumers. The FSSAI’s proactive measures aim to mitigate these risks by ensuring that all food products, including Dairy Analogues, meet safety standards.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the role of regulatory bodies in ensuring food safety standards in India.
2. Critically discuss the impact of food adulteration on public health and consumer trust.
3. Estimate the significance of consumer awareness in preventing food fraud and mislabelling.
4. Analyse the challenges faced by regulatory authorities in monitoring food products in a diverse market.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the role of regulatory bodies in ensuring food safety standards in India.

1. Regulatory bodies like FSSAI set and enforce food safety standards to protect consumer health.
2. They conduct regular surveillance and inspections to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
3. Regulatory bodies provide guidelines for food labeling to prevent consumer deception.
4. They facilitate consumer education on food safety and rights.
5. Collaboration with state authorities enhances the effectiveness of food safety measures across regions.

2. Critically discuss the impact of food adulteration on public health and consumer trust.

1. Food adulteration can lead to serious health issues, including foodborne illnesses and long-term health effects.
2. It undermines consumer confidence in food products and regulatory systems.
3. Adulterated products can cause economic losses for consumers and legitimate businesses.
4. Public awareness of adulteration issues can lead to increased demand for safe and verified food products.
5. Regulatory actions against adulteration are crucial for restoring consumer trust in the food supply chain.

3. Estimate the significance of consumer awareness in preventing food fraud and mislabelling.

1. Informed consumers are more likely to scrutinize labels and question product authenticity.
2. Awareness campaigns educate consumers about their rights and the importance of food safety standards.
3. Higher consumer vigilance can pressure manufacturers to comply with regulations and improve product quality.
4. Consumer feedback and reporting can aid regulatory bodies in identifying and addressing food fraud cases.
5. Empowered consumers contribute to a more transparent and trustworthy food market.

4. Analyse the challenges faced by regulatory authorities in monitoring food products in a diverse market.

1. The vast variety of food products and ingredients complicates standardization and enforcement of regulations.
2. Geographical diversity leads to varying compliance levels and cultural differences in food consumption.
3. Limited resources and manpower can hinder thorough inspections and surveillance efforts.
4. Technological advancements in food production can outpace regulatory frameworks, leading to gaps in oversight.
5. Consumer awareness and education levels vary, impacting the effectiveness of regulatory measures.