New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked all independent milk producers and sellers across the country to obtain mandatory registration or license, warning that many are operating outside the food safety regulatory system.In an advisory issued on March 11, the food regulator said many milk producers who are not part of dairy cooperatives, as well as local milk sellers, are selling milk without registering with FSSAI. Such registration is mandatory under food safety rules.The authority has now directed the states and union territories to ensure that all such producers and sellers are registered with FSSAI before continuing their business.This step has been taken amid concerns over milk adulteration. FSSAI has asked food safety officials in states to verify whether milk sellers have valid registration or license 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 run special registration drives so that all milk producers and sellers 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 the action taken.The regulator said the initiative aims to improve the traceability and safety of milk sold to consumers and prevent adulteration in the supply chain.