Milkfed Rehires Penalized Sweet Maker for Diwali, Plans In-House Production Next Year
Shimla – Himachal Pradesh Milkfed has once again awarded the Diwali sweet-making contract to the same Chandigarh-based private company that was penalized in 2023 for delivering fungus-contaminated doda barfi. Due to a lack of machinery, Milkfed was unable to retain its own artisans for this year’s festive production.
Last year, the poor quality of sweets triggered a controversy when fungus was found in products sent to several dignitaries. Following an investigation, the company faced a penalty of around ₹25 lakh. Despite this, Milkfed has now contracted the same company to produce 500 quintals of sweets under strict new conditions.
Minister Questions the Decision
Animal Husbandry Minister Chander Kumar called up Milkfed MD Dr. Vikas Sood, questioning why the same company was rehired and what assurances were in place regarding quality. The MD responded that the shelf life of the sweets has now been reduced to 20–21 days, compared to the previous 15-month refrigerated period. Additionally, all sweet samples will be tested not only in Milkfed’s own lab but also in external certified laboratories.
Future Plans for In-House Production
The minister also confirmed that from next Diwali, Milkfed will begin producing sweets in-house using its own artisans. This decision, he stated, was taken to maintain quality standards and restore consumer trust in Milkfed's offerings.
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