Apr 28, 2013

Civic body launches major drive against milk adulteration in Jammu city

Collects samples from Roop Nagar, Bantalab after complaints of sub-standard milk being sold
Jammu, April 27
In a major drive against adulteration of milk, the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) today took samples from milk suppliers and dairies in the Roop Nagar and Bantalab areas.
The civic body had earlier received reports of adulterated milk being sold in these localities.
Adulteration has become a major issue for residents who are concerned about the quality of milk and other milk products being supplied to the consumers.
A team led by JMC Health Officer Dr Vinod Sharma conducted a surprise visit in the area and checked quality parameters which were reportedly found below the standards marked by the civic body.
“Sudden appearance of municipal team was a shock for many suppliers and shopkeepers as they were caught unaware. Many of them were seen pleading before the MC and health officials,” said Kishore Sharma, a local resident.
In absence of modern equipment and manpower, the fight against adulteration has been losing sheen of late. However, fine has been imposed on a number of people and dairy owners for playing with the health of the people in the past months.
There was a proposal to buy computerised mobile testing labs to check samples on daily basis but the same has been pending for want of funds with the government.
JMC Health Officer Dr Vinod Sharma said, “Fine has been imposed and vendors have been directed not to accept sub-standard milk which could endanger the health of citizens. Further orders have been passed that no person can supply milk without mandatory license.”
In a survey conducted by the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) in 2012, it was found that 83 per cent of milk sold in urban centres and district headquarters of the state is not safe for consumption.
The study had found that most common types of adulteration in the state was glucose and skimmed milk products (SMP).
“The Health Wing of the Municipal Corporation has repeatedly sent a proposal to the government to buy mobile labs but no decision was taken in this regard nor any funds have been released so far. This has been hampering our drive against milk adulteration,” said an official.
Surprise check
A team led by JMC Health Officer Dr Vinod Sharma conducted a surprise visit in the area and checked quality of milk
The quality parameters were reportedly found below the standards marked by the civic body
Residents have been complaining about the quality of milk and other milk products being supplied to them
Govt apathy mars drive
A proposal was sent by JMC to government to buy computerised mobile testing labs to check samples on daily basis
The proposal has been pending for want of funds with the government for long
In absence of modern equipment and manpower, the fight against adulteration has lost tooth

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