Science-Led Food Safety Urged Across Dairy, Restaurants, and Quick-Commerce Platforms in Tamil Nadu
Chennai, June 7: As part of World Food Safety Day 2025 celebrations, Tamil Nadu reinforced its commitment to science-driven food safety practices spanning dairy production, restaurants, and fast-growing quick-commerce platforms. Speaking at a symposium at the College of Food and Dairy Technology (CFDT) in Koduveli, R Lalvena, Principal Secretary and Commissioner, Food Safety and Drug Administration, stressed that food safety is a shared societal responsibility, not just a regulatory box-ticking exercise.
“We must embed food safety science across the entire supply chain—from farm to fork—especially as the lines blur between traditional food delivery and tech-driven quick commerce,” said Lalvena.
The event, themed “Food Safety Science in Action”, brought together stakeholders from academia, government, and the dairy and food service sectors. It highlighted the growing complexity of ensuring safe, nutritious, and traceable food as India’s consumption habits evolve.
Focus on Dairy as a Public Health Priority
The symposium paid particular attention to dairy safety, a priority given the central role milk and milk products play in Indian diets. K S Kanna, Chairman of the Indian Dairy Association (Tamil Nadu Chapter), emphasised the importance of traceability, cold-chain logistics, and regular microbial testing in dairy products—primarily value-added dairy products like flavoured milk, paneer, and probiotic drinks.
“Inconsistent temperature control and non-standardised packaging often lead to product spoilage and health hazards. With Tamil Nadu’s strong dairy infrastructure, we must lead with best practices,” said Kanna.
Dr. N Narendra Babu, Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) of TANUVAS, called for improved coordination between research institutions and policy frameworks to enable safer food systems. “Food safety is the cornerstone of sustainable public health and must be supported by robust implementation,” he stated.
Regulatory Challenges and Digital Trade Implications
As food delivery platforms grow in popularity and influence, the oversight of quick-commerce channels has become a regulatory focus. Officials discussed how the growth of digital trade—including the rapid movement of perishable food items—creates new complexities for compliance, especially in smaller towns where infrastructure gaps persist.
Tamil Nadu’s approach, officials said, includes intensified audits, public awareness campaigns, and capacity building for local FBOs (Food Business Operators).
CFDT’s Role in Food Safety Innovation
The College of Food and Dairy Technology, under the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), showcased its research in rapid testing kits, safe packaging materials, and AI-enabled traceability tools for dairy logistics, positioning the institution as a future hub for food safety innovation in South India.
