Digital Milk Tracking: Maharashtra FDA Plans to Trace Milk Back to the Animal Within a Year
Maharashtra plans a digital milk tracking system that can trace milk from dairies and collection centres back to the animal. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the state expects to introduce it within six months to a year. He spoke on Saturday at the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2026. The aim is to reduce adulteration and improve food safety.
How digital milk tracking would work
Mundhe explained that every animal carries an ear tag with its details. The FDA wants to match those details with the milk produced. For this, it would use data from the Animal Husbandry Department.
If the numbers do not match, officers can spot discrepancies. For example, a centre that reports more milk than its tagged animals could produce would draw attention. In the words of the commissioner, the process would help trace the source of adulterated milk and, in time, bring down adulteration and unsafe milk.
Inspections at milk collection centres
The system is not the only step. About 15 days before the speech, the FDA listed hundreds of milk collection centres for inspection. Teams are checking for adulteration, unsafe milk and compliance with prescribed practices for collection, manufacturing and hygiene.
Mundhe said that the department will trace milk back to the farmer. He also reported early gains. Collection centres, chilling centres and dairies that failed earlier are starting to improve after inspections and enforcement action.
Why digital milk tracking matters for farmers and consumers
Adulterated milk hurts everyone. Consumers face health risks. Honest farmers lose out because dishonest suppliers undercut them. Digital milk tracking can protect good producers, since clean milk can be linked to a known animal and farm.
However, the plan will need good data. Ear-tag records must be complete and up to date. Collection centres must record milk lots correctly. Therefore, training and simple software for small societies will be vital. Without them, the system could create paperwork without real control.
A public movement for food safety
The commissioner said food safety should become a public movement. It should involve consumers, food businesses and government agencies, instead of depending on individual officers. He noted that safe food affects public health, the economy, GDP growth and farmers. Both consumer demand and business compliance must work together.
He added that food safety practices are spreading, from street vendors to established businesses, although the pace varies. He also mentioned the Eat Right School campaign, which encourages children to eat nutritious food and avoid junk food.
What to watch next
The timeline of six months to a year is an expectation, not a fixed date. Readers should watch for a pilot district, a technology partner and clear rules on who can access the data. If digital milk tracking works in Maharashtra, other states may follow. India is the largest milk producer in the world, so reliable traceability would also help exports and consumer trust.
Frequently asked questions
What is the digital milk tracking plan?
Maharashtra FDA plans a digital system to match milk produced with ear-tagged animal data so that milk can be traced back to the farmer.
When will it start?
The commissioner said it could be introduced within six months to a year.
Who will provide the animal data?
The FDA plans to use data from the Animal Husbandry Department.
Related reading
Source: Economic Times | DairyNews7x7. Summarised independently in our own words.
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