Food safety challenges in the dairy supply chain in India: controlling risks and developing a structured surveillance system

Globally, around six billion people consume bovine milk. As in many other countries dairy plays an important role in the Indian diet. The Food Safety Standards Authority of India is continuously taking efforts to ensure the country’s regulatory framework for the dairy sector meets international standards and secure human health and to promote trade. To ensure safe and nutritious milk and milk products, an integrated quality assurance system with a thorough surveillance program is a prerequisite. This paper outlines the risk assessment principles before listing various chemical and microbiological hazards in the dairy supply chain, discusses examples with successful dairy supply chains, suggests analytical approaches for regulatory control, and gives recommendations for an effective surveillance plan. First of its kind, the paper may contribute to the development of an integrated milk quality and safety surveillance system in India, and may also serve as guidance for other developing nations.