FSSAI License Now Mandatory For Milk Producers, Milk Vendors

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an advisory directing all independent milk producers and milk vendors across the country to mandatorily obtain registration or license before conducting any food business activities.

According to the advisory, it has come to the notice of the authority that several milk producers—particularly those who are not members of dairy cooperative societies—and milk vendors are operating without obtaining the required registration or license under the food safety regulations.

Mandatory Registration Requirement

FSSAI clarified that all milk producers who are not registered members of a dairy cooperative society under the Cooperative Societies Act and who do not supply their entire milk output to such societies must register themselves with FSSAI before starting or continuing their operations. The same requirement applies to all milk vendors engaged in selling milk directly to consumers or businesses.

However, producers who are members of a dairy cooperative society and supply their entire milk production to the society are exempt from this requirement.

Step Amid Concerns of Milk Adulteration

The advisory comes in the wake of recent incidents involving suspected adulteration of milk reported across several States and Union Territories. In response, FSSAI has directed enforcement authorities at the central and state levels to ensure strict compliance with registration and licensing norms.

Authorities have been asked to instruct Designated Officers, Central Licensing Authorities, and Food Safety Officersto verify whether milk producers and vendors possess valid FSSAI Registration Certificates or Licenses, as applicable.

Inspection of Milk Storage Infrastructure

FSSAI has also emphasized the need for periodic inspections of milk chillers used by producers and vendors. Enforcement officials have been directed to ensure that proper storage temperatures are maintained and that chilling equipment meets the necessary standards to prevent spoilage and protect public health.

Appropriate action will be initiated against entities found operating without valid registration or failing to comply with safety standards.

Special Registration Drives Ordered

States and Union Territories have also been instructed to conduct special registration drives within their jurisdictions to ensure that all independent milk producers and vendors obtain the required FSSAI registration or license.

Ongoing Enforcement Drive

The authority further reminded state authorities that it had already issued directions on 16 December 2025 to conduct regular enforcement drives for milk and milk products. Under this directive, states are required to submit Action Taken Reports (ATRs) to FSSAI twice every month—by the 15th and the 30th/31st.

The advisory has been issued with the approval of the competent authority and aims to strengthen regulatory oversight in the dairy sector while ensuring the safety and quality of milk supplied to consumers.