Vidhan Sabha Committee Recommends New Law to Curb Milk Adulteration

• Apr 2, 2025

The Punjab Vidhan Sabha Committee on Cooperation and Allied Activities has proposed the formulation of a new law aimed at curbing the adulteration of milk and milk products, recommending stringent penalties for offenders. The committee believes such a move will not only safeguard public health but also enhance the earnings of dairy farmers by ensuring product quality and consumer trust.

The recommendations were presented in a report tabled during the Budget Session. The committee, chaired by Sardulgarh MLA Gurpreet Singh Banawali, compiled its findings after extensive discussions with officials from Milkfed (Punjab State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation).

According to the report, 99% of milk arriving at Milkfed processing plants is found to be safe and free from adulteration. However, in the few instances where adulteration is detected, it typically occurs during the transportation of milk from village collection centres to processing plants.

Milk is initially screened at the village level using FTIR-based equipment capable of detecting 16 different adulterants. A second round of quality testing is conducted upon arrival at the processing facility. Any batch found to be contaminated is discarded entirely.

The committee emphasized the need for strict action against transporters found guilty of adulterating milk. It recommended that such individuals be permanently barred from working with Milkfed and other cooperative societies across the state.

Weak Enforcement Cited

The panel noted that while existing laws provide for imprisonment of up to five years for food adulteration, enforcement remains weak. “These cases are not being pursued with the seriousness they warrant. That needs to change,” the report stated.

Tackling Fraud in Milk Plants

The committee also addressed incidents of fraud within milk processing plants and suggested that investigations against erring officers should be led by the local Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), with assistance from technical experts. Furthermore, it recommended that individuals involved in fraud or those formally charge-sheeted should not be appointed to key positions within cooperative institutions.

The proposed measures are intended to strengthen accountability and transparency within the dairy and cooperative sectors, while also protecting consumers and supporting farmers.