Odisha Dairy Alert: 8 Out of 88 Milk Samples Fail Quality Test, Reveals Minister

In a revelation that has raised concerns among consumers, Odisha’s Fisheries and Animal Resources Minister Gokulananda Mallick informed the State Assembly that nearly 9% of milk and dairy products sold in the state do not meet prescribed quality standards.

The disclosure came in response to a question raised by MLA Tankadhar Tripathi, highlighting the ongoing challenges in maintaining dairy quality across the state.

88 Samples Tested, 8 Found Sub-Standard

According to official data shared in the Assembly, the Health Department’s Food Safety Commissionerate collected 88 samples of milk and milk products in 2025 and sent them to the State Food Testing Laboratory in Bhubaneswar for examination.

Out of these, 80 samples met the standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Authorities clarified that none of the tested samples were found to be unsafe, hazardous, or mislabelled.

However, eight samples were identified as sub-standard, meaning they failed to meet the required quality benchmarks.

22 Private Dairy Companies Operating in Odisha

The minister further informed the Assembly that apart from the state-run Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (OMFED), 22 private dairy companies are currently operating in Odisha. Of these, 10 are based within the state, while 12 are headquartered outside Odisha.

The findings have intensified calls for stricter monitoring of both local and out-of-state dairy suppliers to ensure consumer safety.

How Branded Milk is Processed

Dr. Gyan Das Pattnayak, former General Manager of OMFED, explained the standardisation process followed by branded dairy companies.

He noted that milk typically contains about 87% water, with the remaining 13% comprising roughly 4% fat and 9% solids-not-fats (SNF), including proteins, lactose, minerals, and vitamins.

“Cow’s milk often has lower SNF content, so milk powder is sometimes added to maintain the required standards,” he explained. For toned and double-toned milk, fat is skimmed to produce cream and ghee before homogenisation and pasteurisation processes ensure uniform distribution and eliminate harmful microbes.

Health Experts Urge Caution

Veterinary expert Dr. B. K. Mishra advised consumers to be mindful of their dietary choices. “Adults and individuals with conditions like diabetes should avoid high-fat milk,” he cautioned.

Calls for Stricter Monitoring

While none of the tested samples were deemed unsafe, the presence of sub-standard products underscores the need for tighter quality control mechanisms. Consumer groups and public health advocates are now urging the government to intensify inspections and enforce stricter compliance to safeguard public health.

The revelation has sparked debate over regulatory oversight in Odisha’s dairy sector, with many consumers demanding greater transparency and accountability from both public and private dairy operators.