The Madras High Court on Tuesday stopped the Tamil Nadu government and the state-run milk supplier Aavin from collecting samples of the milk products of two private dairies, facing allegations of adulteration, for testing till further orders.
Justice M Duraiswamy passed the interim order on two separate petitions filed by Hatsun Agro Products Limited and Vijay Dairy and Farm Products Private Limited.
The petitioners submitted that the private milk producers have come under the ambit of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the State government had no role in governing them.
They also opposed Aavin collecting samples for tests on the ground that it was a milk producer and their direct competitor.
Conducting such inspections would amount to illegal exercise of its powers, they said.
Stating that they were willing to subject their products to testing by the FSSAI, the companies prayed the court to restrain the state authorities from conducting inspections and collecting samples of their products.
The judge then adjourned the matter for four weeks while seeking the government’s stand on the petitioners’ pleas.
State Milk and Dairy Development Minister K.T. Rajenthra Bhalaji’s had alleged last May that the private milk suppliers added chemicals to extend longevity of their product.
The Minister’s comments kicked up a row, with the milk agents’ association hitting out at him for his generalised statement.
On July 10, the High Court had ordered Mr. Bhalaji to provide the names of adulterated milk producers with proof, while barring him from making disparaging remarks against private milk producers in general.
