NEW DELHI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked all independent milk producers and vendors across the country to obtain mandatory registration or licences, warning that many are operating outside the food safety regulatory system.In an advisory issued on March 11, the food regulator said several milk producers who are not part of dairy cooperative societies, as well as local milk vendors, are selling milk without registering with FSSAI. Such registration is mandatory under food safety rules.The authority has now directed states and Union Territories to ensure that all such producers and vendors register with FSSAI before continuing their business.The move comes amid concerns over milk adulteration. FSSAI has asked food safety authorities in states to verify whether milk sellers have valid registration or licences and take action in cases of non-compliance.Officials have also been directed to inspect milk chillers used for storage to ensure proper temperature control and hygiene, as poor storage can lead to spoilage and contamination.States have been asked to conduct special registration drives so that all milk producers and vendors come under the food safety regulatory framework.FSSAI said it has already ordered regular enforcement drives on milk and milk products and asked states to submit fortnightly reports on action taken.The regulator said the initiative is aimed at improving traceability and safety of milk sold to consumers and preventing adulteration in the supply chain.