Escalating Trends Despite Regulatory Oversight
Despite assurances from the Union Territory administration about rigorous food safety measures, Chandigarh is witnessing a disturbing rise in the adulteration of milk-based products. In 2024–25, nearly 22% of all milk-derived samples tested were found to be non-conforming to food safety standards, sparking significant public health concerns.
The matter was raised in the ongoing Lok Sabha session by Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare. According to the data presented, adulteration in milk products has sharply increased over the past four years:
The figures mark a worrying trend, suggesting that current monitoring and enforcement mechanisms are insufficient in curbing the problem.
Regulatory Framework and Enforcement
Jadhav informed the House that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)—established under the 2006 Food Safety and Standards Act—is tasked with laying down science-based standards for food products and ensuring the availability of safe food through regulation of manufacturing, storage, distribution, sale, and import.
The Act provides for strict penal actions against violators, including fines and legal prosecution. In 2024–25, out of 114 milk product samples tested in Chandigarh, 24 failed to meet safety standards. In the previous year, 49 of 311 samples were substandard.
“Initially, we issue show-cause notices and file cases before the adjudicating officer,” said Dr. Suman Singh, Director of Health Services. “Fines between ₹30,000 and ₹2 lakh are imposed if food items fail quality tests.”
Public Concerns and Ground Reality
Baljinder Singh Bittu, Chairman of the Federation of Sectors Welfare Associations Chandigarh (FOSWAC), criticized the reactive nature of enforcement.
“The sad part is the health department becomes active only during festivals,” he said, citing that 10 of 50 samples collected in 2023 failed tests, all of which are still under prosecution.
Officials clarified that surveillance samples are collected for monitoring and research, whereas legal samples are used for initiating prosecutions. In extreme cases of adulteration, the law allows for life imprisonment and fines up to â‚ą10 lakh.
The Road Ahead: Strengthening Food Safety
The escalating numbers highlight a pressing need for year-round enforcement, improved testing infrastructure, and greater public awareness. With food adulteration posing a direct threat to health and trust, ensuring the integrity of milk-based products must become a top priority for local authorities and national regulators alike.
