Raw milk is widely consumed through the traditional milkman (doodhwala) system. FSSAI regulations require pasteurization for organized commercial dairy, but direct small-quantity producer-to-consumer sales are a recognized traditional practice.
Raw milk (doodh) delivered through the traditional milkman (doodhwala) system is the predominant form of milk consumption for a substantial portion of India's population in both urban and rural areas. Approximately half of India's milk supply is estimated to reach consumers through informal channels without pasteurization, making raw milk access effectively widespread across the country.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates milk and dairy products under the Food Safety and Standards (Milk and Milk Products) Regulations, 2020 made under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Pasteurization is required for milk processed and sold through the organized commercial dairy sector. Direct producer-to-consumer sales of small quantities of milk are a recognized traditional practice operating outside the organized sector framework. FSSAI enforcement priorities in the milk sector have focused primarily on adulteration — addition of water, synthetic compounds, or other adulterants — rather than raw milk status per se.
Official government documents and legal resources for India
FSSAI regulations governing milk and milk products in India, including standards for pasteurized milk and organized dairy operations. Also links to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the primary food safety legislation under which FSSAI operates.
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