Parsi Dairy Farm's Licence Suspended Over Food Safety Violations

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business licence of Parsi Dairy Farm Pvt Ltd, a popular dairy chain in Mumbai, due to serious food safety and hygiene violations. The suspension was announced on Thursday after inspections at the company's Princess Street unit in south Mumbai revealed multiple violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act.

The inspections found unhygienic conditions, including a damaged raw milk reception dock, cracks in storage and production areas, and improper storage of raw materials and finished products. The FDA team also found heavy infestation of flies, broken flooring and drainage, and an absence of an effluent treatment plant.

The FDA said that the deficiencies posed a serious risk of microbial contamination and public health hazards. As a result, the unit is prohibited from manufacturing, storing, selling, or distributing food products until further orders. Legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act has been initiated.

The action against Parsi Dairy Farm was part of a statewide inspection campaign conducted on July 14 and 15. During the campaign, the FDA inspected dairy units, food manufacturers, restaurants, and vendors across Maharashtra. The drive led to the seizure of 2,317 litres of milk, 30 litres of refined oil, and 6,849.25 kg of dairy products valued at Rs 45.78 lakh.

The FDA also seized prohibited food products worth Rs 1.36 crore and other food items worth Rs 53.90 lakh. Improvement notices were issued to 27 establishments after inspecting 57 hotels, restaurants, and eateries in the state.

In addition to the suspension of Parsi Dairy Farm's licence, the FDA also raided a unit in Akola allegedly manufacturing banned food products and seized stock worth about Rs 1.23 crore. The agency registered cases against vendors selling banned gutkha and pan masala in Mumbai, Jalgaon, and other districts.

The FDA's crackdown on food safety violations is part of a larger effort to ensure that food products sold in Maharashtra are safe for consumption. The agency has launched an AI-enabled citizen grievance portal with an auto-escalation system to allow citizens to report food adulteration and other safety concerns.

The suspension of Parsi Dairy Farm's licence and the seizure of products worth Rs 1.90 crore are a significant step towards ensuring food safety in Maharashtra. The FDA's actions demonstrate the agency's commitment to protecting public health and preventing the sale of unsafe food products.

The incident highlights the importance of regular inspections and monitoring of food establishments to prevent food safety violations. It also underscores the need for food manufacturers and sellers to adhere to strict hygiene and safety standards to prevent contamination and public health hazards.

In the context of Maharashtra's food industry, the FDA's actions are a welcome step towards ensuring that food products sold in the state are safe for consumption. The agency's efforts to prevent food adulteration and safety violations will help to protect public health and promote a culture of safety and hygiene in the food industry.

The significance of this incident extends beyond the suspension of Parsi Dairy Farm's licence. It highlights the need for a robust food safety regulatory framework and the importance of regular inspections and monitoring to prevent food safety violations. The incident also underscores the need for food manufacturers and sellers to prioritize food safety and hygiene to prevent contamination and public health hazards.

In conclusion, the suspension of Parsi Dairy Farm's licence and the seizure of products worth Rs 1.90 crore are a significant step towards ensuring food safety in Maharashtra. The FDA's actions demonstrate the agency's commitment to protecting public health and preventing the sale of unsafe food products. The incident highlights the importance of regular inspections and monitoring of food establishments and the need for food manufacturers and sellers to adhere to strict hygiene and safety standards to prevent contamination and public health hazards.