Question : Lactose Free Dairy Products

a) whether the Government proposes to take steps for the easy availability and cost effectiveness of dairy products for lactose resistant people in the country;
b) if so, the details thereof;
c) whether the lactose free milk products being sold in the country are being suitably regulated by the Government for their pricing as well as quality aspect to encourage their ready availability as well as discourage any possible health hazards from the use of these products;
d) if so, the details thereof; and
e) if not, the reasons therefor ?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRYAND DAIRYING
(DR.SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)

a) to e) : FSSAI has informed that, currently, there are no standards for lactose free milk. However, FSSAI has notified draft standards for low lactose/ lactose free milk on 1st May, 2019 for lactose resistant people for seeking comments of stakeholders. After finalization of standards, the same will be enforced through the State /UT Governments who are primarily responsible for enforcement of provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Rule and Regulations framed thereunder.
As regards the pricing, it is governed by market demand & supply situation and its cost of production. The Department does not control pricing of milk and milk products.
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