Poor quality curd being sold online: FSSAI seeks detailed explanation from e-commerce and how it is going to help customers

Curd or dahi is one of the most comforting summer foods. It is not just a versatile food but also an easily available dairy product enjoyed in most Indian homes. Rich in probiotics, protein, and calcium, it not only aids digestion but also adds a refreshing, tangy flavor to all summer meals. From breakfast to dinner, it is used in many forms to satiate the taste buds. For breakfast, it pairs well with cereals. For lunch and dinner, it works as a mixer to make dishes like kadhi, and for snacking, it tops up chaat to add a cooling effect. And due to the rise in demand for this dairy product during summer months, market players often indulge in ill-practices that leads to circulation of substandard curd in the market. Food regulator the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recently sought explanation from quick commerce firm Blinkit on a complaint by a person who allegedly fell sick after consuming curd ordered from the platform, PTI report states.

What went wrong?

It is reported that FSSAI received a written complaint from a person who allegedly had to seek medical help after falling sick following the consumption of curd bought from e-commerce platform Blinkit. The complainant also attached the medical prescription in the complaint registered with FSSAI.

FSSAI's action

According to a PTI report, FSSAI had written a letter on May 29 to the CEO of Blink Commerce Pvt Ltd), apart from person In-charge of operations, after it received the complaint. The report states that the complainant allegedly developed severe stomach ache and diarrhoea shortly after consuming the curd and had to seek medical help. Of late, FSSAI has received several complaints, either through social media or representations, regarding the supply of unhygienic, spoiled or damaged food by sellers through the Blinkit E-commerce platform.

What did FSSAI say?

The FSSAI has directed Blinkit to provide an explanation and also submit a comprehensive Action Taken Report (ATR). As per the food safety law and FSSAI regulations, e-commerce Food Business Operators (FBOs) are required to comply with the provisions under Section 26 and Section 27 of the FSS Act, 2006, which stipulates that a food business operator shall be responsible for the safety of any article of food manufactured, stored, or distributed by them. Earlier this month, FSSAI sought an explanation from Blinkit regarding consumer complaints about the sale of poor-quality eggs on its platform. FSSAI took ‘suo-moto cognisance’ of consumer complaints on social media platforms.

Things to keep in mind while using market-bought curd

Look at the appearance: If the curd is good, it will be creamy white and slightly off-white in colour, and might have a small amount of clear whey on top. If it is bad, it will have pink, green, or orange spots with visible mold.

Check the smell: Good curd will smell fresh and have a sour aroma. If it is bad, it will have a strong, rancid, rotten and unpleasant odour.

Examine the texture: If the curd is good, it will be thick, creamy, and set evenly. If it is bad, it will have a slimy and stringy texture. Also excessive separation with watery liquid and curd chunks can be easily visible.

How to make curd at home

Ingredients: 1 litre milk and 1-2 tsp fresh curd with live cultures or starter

Method: Bring the milk to a boil and simmer for a few minutes. This helps improve texture and removes unwanted microbes. Allow the milk to cool until it is warm but not hot. Add the starter in a clean and dry bowl and mix in a little warm milk to dissolve it. Then stir it into the rest of the milk. Cover and keep it in a warm place for 4-8 hours. Your homemade curd is ready. Enjoy!