Mumbai: Maharashtra State Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said a separate state law should be enacted to prevent adulteration of milk and milk products, which is stricter than Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA).
Also, a recommendation will be made to the Center to register a non-bailable case against food adulterants, he said.
According to the official press statement issued Thursday night, the Chief Minister expressed concern in a meeting held Thursday evening at Sahyadri Guest House with the Food and Drug Administration and Dairy Development Department officials about effectively implementing a joint campaign against milk adulterants in the state and taking strict action against them.
School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar, Food and Drug Administration Minister Dharmarao Baba Atram, former MLA Suresh Dhas, along with Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. Chahal, Additional Chief Secretary of Dairy Development Department Rajesh Kumar, among all the concerned officials, were present.
Chief Minister Shinde said food adulteration is a serious matter. This has a serious impact on the health of children, especially. Due to this, our future generation will also suffer. Chronic diseases like cancer also affect many people.
Therefore, stricter action than MPDA should be taken against adulterers. Efforts should be made by both central and state government agencies to take effective action against food adulteration and the adulteration of milk and dairy products.
For this, both departments will be supported to provide the necessary infrastructure and manpower. The center will be pursued for up-to-date laboratories, equipment, and mobile laboratories. Adulteration in milk affects milk producing farmers.
At the same time, there are far-reaching effects on the health of citizens. This is very worrisome, and joint efforts of the Food and Drug Administration Department and the Dairy Development Department are required to curb it, he said.
As an urgent measure, joint campaigns should be launched by both departments. The Home Department will also cooperate on this.
The Chief Minister also directed that the Dairy Development Department take action to enact a separate law of the state against adulteration in milk.
