Bhubaneswar: From milk and dairy products to packaged water and a wider range of ice creams, Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (OMFED) is considering a move to expand its presence in Odisha’s consumer market.
Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik said on Monday that the OMFED is examining proposals to introduce packaged drinking water and relaunch its ice cream range with different flavours.
The proposals are currently before the OMFED board, and the products will be introduced in the market only after receiving the board’s approval, the minister said.
The proposed expansion comes as the state cooperative federation looks to add new products to its existing portfolio and offer consumers more choices.
Meanwhile, the minister defended the quality of OMFED milk amid growing concerns over reports of adulteration of milk, chhena and paneer in different parts of Odisha.
Mallik said OMFED has a three-tier quality-control mechanism under which milk is tested at different stages before being supplied to consumers. Parameters including fat content are checked as part of the process.
“Adulteration is not allowed, and if any adulteration is detected, action is taken,” he said.
The minister’s remarks come against the backdrop of recent reports of adulterated dairy products in several parts of the state, which have renewed concerns over food safety and the quality of milk-based products.
If approved, the new products will mark an expansion of OMFED’s offerings beyond its core dairy portfolio, while the proposed ice cream revamp is expected to add more flavour options for consumers.
