No. Raw milk sales are prohibited under India’s Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, enforced by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). State-level enforcement varies, but central regulations classify raw milk as unsafe due to microbial contamination risks, mandating pasteurization or boiling.
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in India
- FSSAI Mandate (2011): Raw milk is deemed unsafe under Schedule 4, requiring mandatory pasteurization (or boiling at 100°C for 30 seconds) before sale. Violations attract penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- State Enforcement Gaps: While FSSAI bans raw milk, some states (e.g., Gujarat, Rajasthan) permit limited sales under local dairy cooperatives, subject to FSSAI-compliant labeling and testing. However, these exemptions are rare and tightly monitored.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The FSSAI’s draft Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Healthy Diets) Regulations, 2026 propose stricter penalties for raw milk sales, including fines up to ₹5 lakh and license revocation for repeat offenders. E-commerce platforms face additional scrutiny for unregulated raw milk listings.
Local authorities (e.g., municipal corporations, district collectors) conduct periodic raids on unlicensed dairy vendors, seizing raw milk stocks under Section 31 of the FSS Act. Consumers purchasing raw milk risk legal action if the product lacks FSSAI certification or exceeds microbial limits (e.g., coliform count > 10 MPN/ml).