Dairy product makers under FSSAI lens

Hyderabad: The Task Force Team of the Food Safety Department conducted inspections in dairy manufacturing units in Pasumamula village in Ranga Reddy district and found them to be violating norms.

During the inspection of Anitha Dairy Products and All Rich Dairy Private Limited, the teams discovered several issues.

At Anitha Dairy Products, the manufacturing area’s floor was found to be stagnated with water, emitting a foul odour. Additionally, the plant was producing masala buttermilk packets without the necessary license for that food category. Consequently, 12 cartons of raw material labeled ‘Tadka paste 09122-01’ were seized.

Inspectors identified labeling deficiencies during the inspection. While the marketer address was provided, the manufacturer address details were missing on the packaging. Instead, QR codes were printed on the packets. Furthermore, reagents and chemicals utilised in the laboratory were discovered to be expired and subsequently discarded.

Furthermore, the microbiologist employed in the lab lacked proper qualifications. Several food handlers in the manufacturing unit were observed without gloves. The factory lacks a transportation license, and the existing transportation license was not declared in the central license. Moreover, the FSSAI license is not visibly displayed at the factory.

During the inspection at All Rich Dairy Private Limited, inspectors discovered 263 kilograms of unlabelled ghee and confiscated it from the FBO premises. Rust was detected on the transportation trolleys, and there were instances of water stagnation on the floor, accompanied by an unpleasant odor in the manufacturing area. Additionally, insect-proof screens were notably absent. Food handlers were observed without gloves, headgear, and aprons, and the FSSAI license was not visibly displayed on the premises.

Additionally, the license does not adhere to FSSAI guidelines, lacking essential information such as the manufacturer’s and marketer’s addresses. Medical fitness certificates for food handlers were not present, and there is a lack of FOSTAC trainees at the factory. Furthermore, transport licenses for the vehicles are unavailable.