FSSAI Opens Fast Track for Dairy Innovation via ePAAS
In a major move that could reshape innovation and premiumisation in India’s dairy sector, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has operationalised a unified digital approval mechanism through the electronic Product and Claim Approval Application System (ePAAS). Effective June 1, 2026, all applications related to prior approvals, risk assessments, claims, novel ingredients,…
Ashwagandha in Dairy: Regulatory Clarity or Emerging Constraint?
Ashwagandha has gradually made its way into the evolving Indian dairy landscape, though largely in a niche and emerging manner. Traditionally, the combination of milk and ashwagandha has been well accepted in Ayurveda, and this cultural compatibility is now reflecting in early-stage product innovation. While its presence in mainstream dairy beverages remains limited, there is…
FSSAI 2026: Packaging Now Defines Dairy Compliance
The recent draft notification issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on 26th February 2026 and uploaded on March 11th 2026, may appear routine at first glance. But let us be clear—this is not just a technical amendment. This is a structural shift in how dairy products will be regulated in…
Mandatory Daily Record of Production and Raw Material Utilisation
I recently reviewed the notification issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India in the context of Schedule IV of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. Although I came across it a little late, there is still an opportunity for stakeholders to review the implications and…
FSSAI CEO calls for nationwide crackdown on high-risk food
March 2 (ANI): Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) CEO Rajit Punhani urged states and Union Territories to significantly strengthen on-ground enforcement mechanisms, with a sharp focus on high-risk food categories, during the 49th meeting of the Central Advisory Committee (CAC) held in Gangtok, Sikkim. Addressing Commissioners of Food Safety (CFS) and senior…
India–EU FTA Sealed, Dairy Sector Kept Out
Historic Milestone Announced at the 16th India–EU Summit by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and European Commission President H.E. Ms. Ursula von der Leyen India Safeguards sensitive Agricultural products and Dairy Sector: no market access. India, 4th largest economy, and the European Union, 2nd largest economy, comprising 25% of Global GDP, Forge a Trusted…
Fodder Policy Urged as a Catalyst for India’s Dairy Growth
As India maintains its position as the world’s largest milk producer, industry leaders and policymakers are urging a comprehensive fodder policy to address what many analysts now call a structural bottleneck for sustainable dairy sector growth. Chronic shortages of green and dry fodder — often ranging between 11–32% for green and over 20% for dry…
Milk production grew by 3.58% over last year
India’s dairy sector continued its dominant rise in 2024-25, with national milk production touching 247.87 million tonnes, a 3.58% increase over the previous year. With this, India retained its position as the world’s largest milk producer, contributing 25% of global output, according to the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2025 report. Animal_Husbandry_Statistics_2025 Per-capita milk availability rose…
Clean Milk at Risk: Farmers Hit by 18% GST on Technology
Progressive dairy farmers across India are questioning the government’s intent behind keeping essential technologies like bulk milk coolers and milking machines under the 18% GST slab. They ask: is the government not confident of their capability to adopt modern practices that ensure hygienic milk production and higher yields? Farmers argue that calling this a “farmer-friendly…
Dairy GST Cuts Bring Consumer Savings, Farmer Prosperity
India’s recent GST changes for dairy—cutting rates from 12% to 5% on ghee, cheese, and ice-cream (without chocolate), and zeroing GST on UHT milk, paneer, and chhanna—deliver significant cost relief across value-added segments. Ghee-bearing households may pocket savings of around ₹42 per kilogram, assuming full pass-through. Packaged paneer and UHT milk, now exempt, could become…