A viral video has raised concerns over the safety of Amul Masti Dahi, alleging pouch-packed curd failed quality tests. Amul has denied the claims, citing FSSAI compliance, while the controversy highlights consumer food safety rights in India.
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NEW DELHI: Curd is a common in Indian households, valued for its probiotics, protein, and digestive benefits. However, a recent social media video by the Instagram handle raised concerns about the safety of Amul Masti Dahi, claiming that pouch-packed curd failed quality tests.
According to the video, while the SNF (Solid Not Fat) content in the pouch exceeded FSSAI’s minimum requirement, microbiological tests reportedly found high levels of coliforms, yeast, and mold, beyond permissible limits. In contrast, the cup-packaged curd showed no such issues, leading to claims that pouch packaging has lower hygiene standards.
Responding to the allegations, Amul issued a public clarification on January 5 via X, stating that the claims are misleading. The company emphasized that curd is a live product requiring careful handling and questioned the sampling and testing methods used in the video. Amul confirmed that the concerned batch meets all FSSAI and internal quality standards and undergoes over 50 quality and hygiene tests in ISO-certified facilities.
Amul also clarified that both pouch and cup variants follow the same manufacturing and hygiene processes, with price differences arising solely from packaging costs. The company concluded that such videos spread misinformation and cause unnecessary consumer panic.
Previously also, the Food Safety Department of Gorakhpur has flagged products from two leading brands, Patanjali and Amul, after routine testing revealed they did not meet prescribed quality standards. Notices will be sent to both companies, and legal action will proceed once responses are received.
The department conducted tests on the following products: a sample of Patanjali refined oil, collected from a store on Varanasi Road in April, and a sample of Amul yogurt, obtained from an Amul van in Golghar.
The tests revealed that neither product complied with the required food safety standards, prompting the Food Safety Department to take action.
On April 29th, the Food Safety Department conducted a raid on a Patanjali store and its warehouse on Varanasi Road. Key findings included:
- The warehouse was heavily contaminated.
- Approximately 1,250 liters of refined oil were seized.
- Oil from damaged bags and containers was reportedly repackaged into drums and sent to the Lucknow depot without proper documentation.
The department deemed this process illegal and sent samples for laboratory testing, which confirmed that the product did not meet safety standards.
Samples of Amul yogurt were collected from a brand vehicle in the Golghar area. Laboratory tests indicated that the yogurt failed to meet the prescribed quality standards.
Assistant Food Commissioner Dr. Sudhir Kumar Singh stated:
“Reports have been received for both samples. Notices will be issued to the concerned companies to hear their side. Companies may request re-testing of samples. Strict legal action will be taken if any company or trader is found violating food safety rules.”
Food safety is a fundamental aspect of public health and a basic right of every consumer in India. Over the years, India has developed legal frameworks to protect consumers from adulteration, contamination, and unsafe food practices. Let’s explore your food safety rights, legal protections, and key laws governing food in India.
Consumer Rights and Constitutional Protections
Food safety in India is closely tied to constitutional rights, ensuring that citizens have access to safe and wholesome food. Important provisions include:
- Right to Life (Article 21): The Supreme Court of India has interpreted this right to include the right to safe and nutritious food, linking food safety directly to the right to life.
- Directive Principles of State Policy (Article 47): The Constitution directs the state to raise nutrition levels and improve public health, which includes regulating food quality.
These constitutional safeguards reinforce the legal framework, giving consumers the right to demand safe food and hold businesses accountable.
Food Safety Laws in India
India has several laws to regulate food quality, prevent adulteration, and ensure public health. Some of the major legal frameworks are:
- Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 (PFA)
- Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSSAI Act)
1. Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 (PFA)
What is Food Adulteration?
Food adulteration is the addition of harmful or inferior substances to food and beverages to increase quantity or reduce cost. This practice compromises food quality and can cause serious health issues in humans and animals.
In India, food adulteration has been addressed through laws since 1899, with different states having their own regulations, such as the Calcutta Municipal Act, 1923, the UP Pure Food Act, 1950, the Punjab Pure Food Act, 1929, the Bihar Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1948
These varied laws lacked uniformity, leading to issues in interstate food trade and enforcement.
Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954
To create a central framework, the Food Adulteration Committee was formed in 1943. Its recommendations led to the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act, 1954, effective from June 15, 1955.
The Act defines a food item as adulterated if it:
- Does not meet advertised or expected standards.
- Contains substances that lower its quality or are unfit for consumption.
- Is manufactured, stored, or packaged under unhygienic conditions.
- Contains poisonous, harmful, or diseased substances.
- Uses prohibited preservatives or additives beyond allowed limits.
The Act also allows fortification, such as adding iodine to salt or vitamins to cereals.
Penalties under PFA
- First offense: Imprisonment of 6 months–1 year or fine up to ₹2,000.
- Repeat offense: Imprisonment up to 6 years and license cancellation.
- Adulteration causing health harm: Punishable under Section 320 of IPC.
The central government plays a key role in ensuring food safety in India. It is responsible for establishing central food laboratories and the Central Committee for Food Standards, monitoring the implementation of PFA rules across states, approving labels for infant foods, checking the quality of imported food, and organizing training programs while creating consumer awareness.
Food inspectors, appointed by the central or state governments as public servants, are tasked with collecting food samples for laboratory testing, preventing the sale of adulterated or unsafe food, and ensuring that all food products comply with the standards set under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act.
2. Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSSAI Act)
What is FSSAI?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an autonomous statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act). It operates under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and is headquartered in Delhi.
How FSSAI Came into Being
Before 2006, multiple laws governed food safety in India, including the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (1954), Fruit Products Order (1955), Meat Food Products Order (1973), Vegetable Oil Products (Control) Order (1947), Edible Oils Packaging Regulation (1988), and the Milk and Milk Products Order (1992). These laws were repealed after the FSS Act came into force. FSSAI was formally established in 2008, with operations effectively beginning in 2011, marking a shift from multi-level regulation to a single-line authority focused on self-compliance.
Key Functions of FSSAI
FSSAI regulates food safety through:
- Setting food standards and safe food practices.
- Licensing and certifying food businesses.
- Conducting inspections and food testing.
- Training personnel and building capacity in the food sector.
- Raising consumer awareness and outreach programs.
- Advising the government on food safety policies and emerging risks.
Legislative Framework
The FSS Act, 2006, created a unified structure for food safety, establishing FSSAI and State Food Safety Authorities. The Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011, provide for the Food Safety Appellate Tribunal, while the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011, cover licensing, registration, labeling, food standards, additives, organic foods, and advertising regulations.
Structure of FSSAI
FSSAI is headed by a Chairperson and supported by 22 members, with one-third being women. It is aided by Scientific Committees, Panels, and the Central Advisory Committee, while State Food Safety Commissioners handle enforcement.
Initiatives
FSSAI has launched several initiatives to improve food safety in India:
- Heart Attack Rewind – Mass media campaign to eliminate trans fats.
- FSSAI-CHIFSS – Collaboration with industry, academia, and the scientific community.
- State Food Safety Index (SFSI) – Measures state performance on compliance, training, testing, and consumer empowerment.
- Eat Right India Movement – Promotes safe, healthy, and sustainable food in alignment with national health programs.
- Eat Right Station Certification – Recognizes railway stations providing safe and wholesome food to passengers.
Enforcement Mechanisms
Food safety laws are enforced through a combination of regulatory inspections, laboratory testing, and legal action:
- Inspections: Local Food Safety Officers conduct periodic checks of food production units, warehouses, and retail outlets.
- Sample Testing: Random samples are collected for laboratory analysis to ensure compliance with FSSAI and BIS standards.
- Legal Action: Companies violating food safety laws can face:
- Monetary fines (₹25,000 and above)
- Imprisonment (in severe cases)
- Product recalls and business closure
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Consumers in India can actively safeguard their food safety rights by:
- Checking FSSAI License and BIS Certification on packaged foods.
- Verifying Labels: Expiry dates, batch numbers, and manufacturing details.
- Reporting Violations to local Food Safety Departments or through the FSSAI online portal.
- Demanding Transparency from food businesses regarding ingredients and storage practices.
Food safety is both a fundamental right and a legal responsibility. Through the Constitution, PFA 1954, FSSAI 2006, and BIS standards, India has established a strong framework to protect consumers from unsafe food. Awareness of these laws empowers citizens to make informed choices, demand accountability, and ensure public health.