Nestlé Milk Powder: Following directives from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the Food Safety Department has taken significant action regarding Nestlé’s Low-Fat Dairy Whitener. A food analyst examined a sample of the product collected by food safety officials from ‘The Lalit,’ a prominent five-star hotel in Delhi. The analysis revealed that the product failed to meet prescribed quality standards.
Based on the laboratory report, the product has been declared ‘Unsafe’ and ‘Sub-standard’ under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Ban on Sale and Distribution with Immediate Effect
Following the test results, the administration has ordered an immediate halt to the sale, storage, and distribution of the product. Additionally, orders have been issued to remove existing stocks of this dairy whitener from hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets.
According to officials, proceedings for further penal action against the concerned parties are being initiated due to violations of the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
What constitutes ‘Sub-standard’ and ‘Unsafe’ food products?
Under food safety regulations, a ‘sub-standard’ food product is one that fails to meet prescribed quality standards. For instance, a product may be classified as sub-standard if the levels of specific nutrients—such as fat, protein, or milk solids—fall below the established benchmarks.
Conversely, a food product may be categorized as ‘Unsafe’ if it contains harmful substances, adulterants, or chemical residues that pose a potential risk to health.
What is Low-Fat Dairy Whitener?
Low-fat dairy whitener is a type of dry, milk-based product primarily used to prepare tea and coffee. It contains lower levels of fat and calories compared to standard dairy whiteners. It is formulated using ingredients such as milk solids, sugar, and stabilizers, allowing it to dissolve easily in hot water, tea, or coffee while ensuring a consistent taste and texture.
The use of such dairy whiteners is quite common in hotels, offices, and vending machines. However, a sample of the relevant Nestlé product collected in Delhi failed to meet quality standards upon testing, prompting officials to take action against it.
