FSSAI regulations and standards for dairy products

Introduction

The vast majority of vegetarians in India choose milk-based dairy products. Milk is an essential food that contains a lot of calcium and protein. As a consequence of milk production adulteration and misleading claims, the Food and Safety Authority of India (FSSAI) has developed a number of milk product classifications and restrictions for the Indian market. In India, the amount of milk accessible per person was 375 grams per day in 2017 and 2018, but the amount would increase to 592 grams per day, according to the study. The Indian government has taken a number of initiatives and established a number of moms and categories to help all dairy products. India exports dairy products to countries such as Egypt, Nepal, and Singapore.

Definition of Milk by the FSSAI

Milk is a naturally occurring mammary secretion that is obtained from the entire milking of a healthy milch animal without any additives or extractions, unless the FSSAI guidelines indicate differently. Until they are able to process other types of food, milk serves as the primary food source for young animals. Milk provides complete nutrition in proportional proportions and is rich in fat, milk proteins, vitamins, and minerals. The animals from which milk is most commonly derived include goats, sheep, cows, and buffaloes. Full cream, skimmed, toned, double-toned, and other types of packaged milk are distinguished by their fat and solids content. Gopalji, Mother Dairy, Amul, and Nandini Milk are popular milk brands in India.

Crucial guidelines for milk product packaging

Some essential packaging guidelines specific to FSSAI regulations are as follows:

• After packing is complete, milk and other milk products must be kept in a specified storage space.
• The FSSAI and the fertiliser regulatory authority are not directly responsible for limiting the amount of time that milk and milk products can be kept. Owners of Indian food businesses, however, need to take the initiative and provide thorough details on milk production and storage life. FSSAI programs also look at food and milk production rules and safety regulations in addition to milk producers.
• The sealing process needs to begin immediately following filing and the conclusion of the final heat treatment test.
• Reusing old packaging for different milk products is not essential because dairy products are known to be members of the milk family. However, there are instances where it could be difficult to clean and disinfect a similar container.

The advantages of milk products

Using milk or milk products has several benefits, some of which are as follows:

• Milk is a nutritious food because it contains enough protein and calcium. Dairy products provide several health benefits.

• The protein in milk strengthens the immune system and encourages growth and development.
• Consuming milk or milk products helps to prevent and repair most of your bone-related disorders.

It is essential to have fluid in milk since it satisfies the body’s nutritional requirements.

Guidelines while processing milk

• General: The particular operation site has to have developed, put into practice, and shown general safety standards, such as flow diagrams, standard operating procedures, and food processing operations.
• Water Treatment and Management: Appropriate upkeep is necessary to prevent water treatment systems from contributing to pollution.Chemical sanitisation, heat, and UV radiation are examples of recirculation procedures.
• Calibration and inspection of measurement, test, and process control equipment: All map, test, and process control equipment used in milk processing must be identified and levelled in relation to its calibration sites.
  1. Serial Number/Item Identification
  2. Date of Calibration and Inspection
  3. Date of calibration and inspection due dates
• Management of allergens: Cereals that contain gluten, including wheat, rye, barley, oats, spelt, or their crisis variants and products, are the primary cause of allergies.

Milk is a perishable commodity that requires careful processing. If any milk-producing facility disregards these rules, the final consumer should get output of the proper quality.

Guidelines for the Packaging of Milk Products by the FSSAI

• The FSSAI has issued many guidelines for milk product packaging in order to protect the safety of milk. As technology has advanced, the FSSAI has created new packaging technology for milk products and installed high-end, high-tech equipment that makes it possible to package milk and other dairy products automatically. Among the many packaging devices and equipment on the market, this one is quite helpful in extending the milk’s shelf life.
• Milk and other dairy products are packaged in a variety of materials such as tetra packs, cans, bottles, cartons, and pouches. The following explains why soft pouches are the most popular type of packaging:
  • This packaging is quite secure.
  • Environmentally friendly soft pouches

• All procedures and policies must be certified by the FSSAI to comply with food packaging safety laws. The top focus should be ready-to-sell bundles that comply with regulations.
• Thermoformed plastic bottles are an excellent way to shield milk from UV radiation and to keep it safe during temperature fluctuations.

Conclusion

The FSSAI has issued several guidelines and recommendations for various dairy products and milk to support the dairy food industry. In addition, research indicates that by 2023, India’s milk output would amount to 500 million tonnes. Dairy products like milk require an FSSAI licence, although you may also apply for FSSAI registration based on your company’s profitability. The FSSAI uses many questionnaires to test milk and milk products.