The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive to strengthen safety compliance for dairy units selling milk and milk products through vending machines, kiosks, and similar dispensing systems. To protect consumer health, avoid adulteration, and promote transparency, all dairy manufacturers operating such systems should maintain FSSAI-approved or validated rapid test kits at each vending location. These kits are intended for basic detection of common adulterants in milk and milk products.
Dairy units must also display simple, clear instructions on how to use the rapid test kits. They are required to simplify consumer self-checking either by allowing direct use of the kits at the kiosk or by giving demonstrations through trained staff. All test kits must remain within their validity period and be stored according to manufacturer guidelines to ensure accuracy. Additionally, dairy units must regularly monitor and maintain records of kit usage and test results.
This mandate aims to build consumer trust, ensure product integrity, and support a participatory food safety culture across dairy vending operations.