Milk adulteration - Frequent testing only answer

If it is milk, it’s bound be adulterated, at least with water. That is the largely accepted fact about this traditional protein-rich source of nutrition in India. The recent revelation by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) that nearly 70 per cent of the milk samples taken by it across the country failed is merely a confirmation of what everyone knows. While defining ‘pure’ and ‘adulterated’ milk is difficult, the FSSAI has compared the samples to certain standards of hygiene and nutrition laid down by it. Even the clean milk supplied in packets by recognised organisations is not as it came from the udders of the cow. Most of it is ‘reconstituted’ — it has water, fat or milk solids added or removed to make it adhere to standards corresponding to the label on it.

What is dangerous is the kind of adulterants that go into milk in the unorganised sector to make it look like the genuine thing even when it is not. It could be anything from detergent, urea, and sugar to baking soda. The temptation to adulterate milk is strong — as it is so easy — and the only way to check it is stringent and frequent testing. And that is something most state governments are neither equipped nor inclined to do. According to the Food Safety and Standards Act, implemented in Punjab in 2011, all units handling food in any manner have to be licensed by the Heath Department. But the department does not even have the infrastructure to do the registration, what to talk of testing.

At the macro level, steps have to be taken to increase milk production, as shortage is a major incentive for cheating. At the same time, initiatives are required to expand the cooperative system of milk collection and handling, which by the virtue of institutionalising the trade prevents malpractices to a great extent. Setting up a foolproof chain can be a test of a government in running a farmer-welfare cooperative system, as milk is one of the most perishable food products, and the system can be replicated for any fresh farm produce.