Maharashtra FDA to Launch Digital Milk Tracking System by 2027
Maharashtra's FDA plans to implement a digital tracking system for milk within a year to combat adulteration and enhance food safety.
The digital tracking system will trace milk from dairies to the source animal.
FDA inspections of milk collection centers are already underway to ensure compliance.
Food safety practices are being promoted as a public movement involving consumers and businesses.
On October 10, 2026, Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe announced plans to introduce a digital system for tracking milk within the next six to twelve months. This initiative aims to trace milk from collection centers back to the animal, thereby reducing instances of adulteration and ensuring food safety for consumers.
Mundhe made the announcement during the India Today Conclave in Mumbai, emphasizing the importance of this system in combating unsafe milk practices. He noted that the FDA has already begun inspections at various milk collection centers across the state to identify adulteration and ensure compliance with hygiene standards and regulations.
The proposed digital system will utilize data from the Animal Husbandry Department, linking milk production details with information from tagged animals. Mundhe explained that this mechanism will help authorities trace the source of adulterated milk and identify discrepancies in the supply chain. He highlighted that hundreds of milk collection centers have been inspected recently, and efforts are being made to trace milk back to the farmers.
The implications of this initiative extend beyond just food safety; it is expected to foster a collaborative effort among consumers, food businesses, and government agencies. Mundhe remarked that food safety is a collective responsibility that impacts public health, the economy, and agricultural practices. He pointed out that compliance among milk collection and chilling centers has improved following inspections, indicating a positive trend in food safety practices.
Looking ahead, the FDA aims to continue its inspections and enforcement actions while promoting initiatives like the 'Eat Right School' campaign, which encourages children to make healthier food choices. Additionally, the FDA is addressing compliance issues within the pharmaceutical sector, ensuring that drug manufacturing and distribution adhere to safety standards. As these initiatives unfold, the FDA remains committed to enhancing food and drug safety across Maharashtra.
