Event Name : Visit to Yakult Danone India Pvt. Ltd., Sonipat	Event Date : 4th December, 2025
Organized by : Career Counselling, Corporate Relations, Training and Placement Cell

Report Overview:

1. Introduction

The B. Pharm 1st year students of Lloyd Institute of Management & Technology (Pharm.), Greater Noida, undertook an industrial visit to Yakult Danone India Pvt. Ltd., Sonipat, on Thursday, 04 December 2025.
The visit was organized as part of the academic curriculum to provide students with practical exposure to industrial operations, manufacturing processes, quality control, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) followed in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

The primary objective was to help students understand the large-scale production of probiotic formulations, quality assurance systems, and the application of microbiological concepts in manufacturing.

2. About Yakult Danone India Pvt. Ltd.

Yakult Danone India Pvt. Ltd. is a joint venture between Yakult Honsha, Japan, and Group Danone, France. The company is globally recognized for manufacturing probiotic health drinks containing Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota, known for its benefits to digestive health, immunity, and gut microflora balance.

The Sonipat facility is one of the most advanced plants in India, operating with stringent GMP, HACCP, and ISO-certified processes.

3. Objectives of the Industrial Visit

The main objectives of this visit were:

• To provide real-time exposure to pharmaceutical-grade fermentation processes.
• To observe sterile processing, bottling, and packaging techniques.
• To understand Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) practices.
• To observe industrial hygiene, sanitation, and safety protocols.
• To correlate classroom concepts of microbiology, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical engineering with industrial practices.
• To encourage students to explore future opportunities in the probiotic, biopharmaceutical, and nutraceutical sectors.

4. Schedule of the Visit

• 09:00 AM – Departure from LIMT Campus, Greater Noida
• 11:30 AM – Arrival at Yakult Danone India Pvt. Ltd., Sonipat
• 11:45 AM – Welcome & Company Presentation
• 12:15 PM – Guided Plant Tour
• 01:30 PM – Interactive Session & Queries
• 02:00 PM – Group Photograph & Refreshments
• 02:30 PM – Departure from Plant
• 05:00 PM – Arrival at LIMT Campus

5. Description of Plant Visit

5.1 Reception & Orientation

Students were welcomed by the Yakult Public Relations team. A brief orientation session highlighted:

• History of Yakult
• Benefits of probiotics
• Key steps in the production of Yakult
• International quality and safety practices

A detailed documentary was shown on Yakult’s global presence and manufacturing philosophy.

5.2 Fermentation & Culture Preparation Area

Students observed:

• Preparation of Lactobacillus casei Shirota in highly sterile, controlled environments.
• Use of large fermenters for bacterial growth under controlled temperature and pH.
• Importance of aseptic conditions, bacterial viability, and fermentation optimization.

The scientists explained how pure culture strains are preserved and multiplied under strict QA protocols.

5.3 Mixing & Blending Section

In this section, students learned:

• How fermented culture is blended with high-quality ingredients such as skimmed milk, glucose, and flavors.
• The importance of maintaining uniform consistency.
• Use of CIP (Cleaning in Place) and SIP (Sterilization in Place) in vessels.

The staff also explained how microbial load, pH, and viscosity are routinely checked.

5.4 Bottling and Filling Unit

Students witnessed automated processes involving:

• Sterile bottling in food-grade plastic bottles
• High-speed filling machines
• Air-pressurized, contamination-free filling zones
• Automatic capping, sealing, and labeling

The plant uses fully automated technology ensuring minimal human contact to maintain sterility.

5.5 Packaging & Storage Section

Highlights included:

• Shrink-wrapping of bottles into packs
• Batch numbering and coding for traceability
• Cold storage facilities maintaining product stability
• Distribution logistics operated under controlled temperature

Yakult follows international guidelines for packaging and supply chain management.

6. Quality Assurance & Laboratory Visit

Students were shown the QA/QC labs where they learned:

• Microbiological testing of probiotic cultures
• Monitoring of bacterial count and strain viability
• Chemical, sensory, and stability testing
• Importance of Batch Manufacturing Records (BMR) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Compliance with FSSAI and international GMP guidelines

This visit reinforced the relevance of subjects like Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Pharmaceutical Analysis.

7. Safety, Hygiene & Environmental Practices

Yakult staff emphasized:

• Use of protective clothing, air showers, and controlled access zones
• Waste treatment and environmentally safe disposal
• Regular equipment sterilization
• Employee training programs on safety and hygiene

Students appreciated how cleanliness directly impacts product quality.

8. Interaction Session

During the Q&A session, students asked about:

• Career opportunities in probiotics and nutraceuticals
• Future trends in functional foods
• Scope of microbiology and biotechnology in the pharmaceutical sector
• The difference between pharmaceutical drug manufacturing and probiotic manufacturing

The team responded with clarity, motivating students to explore research and industry roles.

9. Learning Outcomes

The visit greatly enriched the students’ understanding of industrial operations. Key takeaways:

• Practical understanding of fermentation technology
• Real-time exposure to automation in manufacturing
• Knowledge of quality control procedures
• Importance of GMP, hygiene, and regulatory compliance
• Understanding of probiotic production and microbial safety
• Insights into industrial opportunities for pharmacy graduates

10. Conclusion

The industrial visit to Yakult Danone India Pvt. Ltd. proved to be highly informative and beneficial for the B. Pharm 1st year students of LIMT, Greater Noida.
It provided them with valuable practical exposure, strengthened their conceptual understanding, and motivated them to develop a scientific approach toward pharmaceutical manufacturing and microbiology-based industries.

The institute expresses gratitude to the Yakult management for their hospitality and to the faculty coordinators for organizing a successful educational tour.