Fact Check: Odisha’s Omfed milk packaging not been changed to saffron, after BJP came to power in Odisha

The Naveen Patnaik government has implemented a variety of schemes to serve the people of Odisha. These initiatives span multiple sectors, including school education, health services, the Rs. 5/- midday meal (Aahar Yojna), and the health card scheme. The government has made efforts to provide facilities to the common public in every sector. On the other hand, the opposition party, BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), has frequently objected to these schemes, criticizing the state government for using green colors, which represent the BJD (Biju Janata Dal), in all services.

Following the recent change in government in Odisha, the color of LACCMI (Location Accessible Multi-modal Initiative) buses has been changed from green to saffron, specifically at the Dhenkanal bus stand.

As reported on OTV, an Odisha based satellite channel: “The Laccmi bus services in Odisha's Dhenkanal district have changed their name to 'Mukhyamantri Bus Seva' and their color to saffron and white. Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena announced the rebranding, but there is no clarity on who ordered the color change.

Just like Amul in India, Omfed (Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation Limited) is the most familiar brand in Odisha in the field of milk and milk products since 1980. After Vijay Kulange joined as the Managing Director of Omfed, the company achieved remarkable success in various fields. Recently, Omfed gained more attention after releasing a new product package logo designed to boost voting awareness. A contest was held on the occasion of World Famous Rath yatra 2024 to promote Odisha culture.

In this back drop, an image of two milk packets are roaming in social media with the Odia Text "ଓମ୍ଫେଡ଼ କ୍ଷୀର ପ୍ୟାକେଡ ରଙ୍ଗ ବି ବଦଳେଇ ଦେଲେ" 

In English, it means “They also changed the color of Omfed milk packaging”.

Fact Check :  The claim that Omfed changed the color of its milk packaging is false. The viral image is actually of a new product. The existing products are still available in the market with their original colors.

We verified that Omfed recently shared a milk promotion on their official X account, which featured the old packaging in the promotional poster.

During the search, we also found by replying to a post Omfed clarified that “It’s new product with new ingredients which will be launched soon. Market trial is going on. Earlier products (with existing colours) are already in the market. OMFED theme colour (Blue and pink colour ) will not be changed”.

If you observe the packaging in the detailing are with the Expiry & Manufacture date it mentioned Not For Sale.

Hence, we conclude that the claim is false. Omfed did not change the color of its milk packaging. The viral image is of a new product, while the earlier products remain in the market with their existing colors.