National Milk Survey didn't test for additives

Hyderabad: GHMC officials claim that the National Milk Survey conducted in the city collected samples of milk but did not find any adulteration. However, they agree there are other types of violations which are harmful for people. In addition to this, lack of staff in the Food Safety Department does not allow them to monitor such units regularly. Experts say, adulterated milk will not show immediate effects on consumers, but will have effects in the long run, including damaging kidney and heart functioning.

As part of the National  Milk Survey in 2016, 48 samples were collected from various locations in Hyderabad and tested, but the results showed no serious violations. “The tested milk showed only substandard quality and less pure milk, but no synthetic materials or other harmful additives were found.’ a GHMC official said. Officials from the Institute of Preventive Medicine said that even after the survey, they had conducted special drives in the city, but except diluted and sub standard milk, none of the samples were tested for adulteration with harmful additives.

Meanwhile, health experts say that drinking adulterated milk will have dire effects on children and adults in the long run. One should not depend on the brand, but rather rely on the source, which can be a small diary owner also. “Maintaining a relationship with the dairy owner plays an important role in avoiding adulteration. But we also should be cautious about the milk and the packaging and need to make sure by boiling the milk. Though it is difficult to identify adulteration with naked eyes, we can check for any change in the colour or odour and  are sometimes able to make out if it is adulterated.” senior consultant nutritionist Dr Sujatha Stephen said.