In a serious breach of dairy safety norms, 24 bottles of banned oxytocin were discovered during an official inspection at a private dairy farm in Jasnawali village, Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. The Food Safety Department has seized the bottles and dispatched samples for lab testing, according to a report by DrugsControl Media Services dated August 22, 2025.
⚠️ Why Oxytocin Use Is a Major Concern
Oxytocin, a hormone naturally present in animals, is misused in synthetic form to induce milk let-down artificially. Its repeated, unauthorised use is known to cause:
- Reproductive damage
- Reduced animal lifespan
- Milk contamination with hormonal residues
The Ministry of Health & FSSAI banned the unregulated use of oxytocin in 2018, restricting it only to authorised veterinary institutions due to public health risks.
🧠 Dairy Dimension Insight: Persistent Black Market Points to Deeper Failures
“This seizure highlights systemic regulatory gaps and the need for grassroots awareness among dairy farmers. Pressure to boost yield must not come at the cost of animal welfare and consumer safety,” says Prashant Tripathi, Senior Trade & Policy Analyst, Dairy Dimension.
Small and marginal farmers—often operating in the unorganized sector—may resort to such practices due to:
- Lack of access to skilled veterinary support
- Limited awareness of legal and health implications
- Pressure from buyers for higher milk volume
🔍 Key Recommendations Going Forward
| Priority Area | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Enforcement | Expand random raids and digital tracking of veterinary drug distribution |
| Farmer Education | Local-language training on ethical milk production and oxytocin risks |
| Vet Support Infrastructure | Increase availability of AI, calving, and lactation management services |
| Milk Traceability Systems | Integrate hormone residue testing into milk quality checks |
🔬 What’s Next?
Once the laboratory confirms the identity of the seized substance, legal proceedings will be initiated under the:
- Drugs and Cosmetics Act
- Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA)
- Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act
Conviction can lead to fines, suspension of dairy licenses, and even imprisonment.
