Most cases of milk adulteration in Pune

PUNE: The problem of milk adulterated with sugar, glucose powder and edible oil persists in Maharashtra, with most cases registered in Pune in the last financial year. 

Food and drug administration officials have so far filed 36 criminal cases and recovered over Rs 25 lakh as penalty for various violations under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. Of the 36 cases, the highest number were filed in Pune (15), followed by Mumbai (11), Nagpur (5), Aurangabad (3) and a case each in Nashik and Amravati. 

Almost 25% of milk samples drawn between April 2014 and March 2015 were either unsafe or did not comply with the standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). 

Officials found 89 samples unsafe for human consumption, of which over 90% of the samples were found adulterated with sugar and glucose to enhance taste, while 317 failed to meet the standard criteria. 

Experts have underlined that consumption of sugar-laced milk on a regular basis can be hazardous for diabetics or people with elevated blood sugar levels. 

"We have collected 1,658 milk samples from various selling and distribution points, including milk collection centres, tankers, processing units, local dairies and vendors and tested them at notified public health laboratories. Of them, over 90 milk samples were found to be adulterated with sugar and glucose and remaining with edible oil and milk powders," Uday Vanjari, joint commissioner (food), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) headquarters, told TOI on Tuesday. 

Barring these 89 samples that were found unsafe for human consumption, the remaining 317 samples were sub-standard, but safe for consumption. "It means they lacked the amount of fat and solids-not-fat (SNF) as per norms laid down by the law," Vanjari said. 'Solids-not-fat' comprise protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals in milk other than milk fat. 

While the sugar content in milk is bad for diabetics, the oil is a worry for those fighting obesity. 

A city-based internal medicine expert said, "If a diabetic is following the prescribed diet and medication, he or she may still have less control over the sugar level after consuming sugar-laced milk every day." 

The law underlines strict punishment for people who supply milk that is unsafe for human consumption. Earlier, when the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 was in force, FDA would file a case against a supplier even if the sample had less amount of fat and SNF. 

Now, with the new Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FDA officials can only fine them for such offences. A case is filed against a supplier only when the sample is found unsafe for consumption. 

The 2006 act came into effect on August 5, 2011 and it looks at various aspects of milk adulteration and divides them into segments like safe food, food not of the nature or substance or quality demanded, extraneous but harmless matter, misbranded items and unsafe for consumption. 

"We have strengthened our surveillance mechanism. Special check posts are being set up at points from where the milk goes in and out of a district. Milk samples are being collected at every point, from the milkman to vendors, to keep a check on its quality," said Shashikant Kekare, joint commissioner (food), FDA, Pune division. People should also insist on getting quality milk. "People can ensure that the milk supplier from whom they buy milk possesses a licence or registration," Kekare said.