Bhubaneswar, 14 September (H.S.): The Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (OMFED) is planning to expand and diversify its product portfolio by introducing packaged drinking water and a new range of ice creams in multiple flavours, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik said on Monday.

Speaking to the media, Mallik said proposals for the new products are currently under discussion with the OMFED board. The products will be launched in the market after receiving the board’s approval, he said.

The minister said the initiative is aimed at broadening OMFED’s product portfolio and offering consumers a wider range of products.

Mallik also addressed concerns over the quality of OMFED milk amid reports of adulteration of milk, chhena and paneer in different parts of Odisha.

He said OMFED has stringent quality-control mechanisms in place and that its milk undergoes a three-tier quality-checking process before reaching consumers.

“Parameters such as fat content are checked to ensure quality. Adulteration is not allowed, and if any adulteration is detected, action is taken,” the minister said.

The minister’s remarks came amid growing concerns over the quality and safety of dairy products following reports of adulteration from various parts of the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda