Overall, more than 46% of the milk consumed by citizens is below the standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the state.
After the Supreme Court directed central and state governments to act against the menace of milk adulteration, The Mumbai Grahak Panchayat (MGP) has been campaigning against it across the Maharashtra state since June 2014.
After it was found out that at least 68% of milk being supplied across India did not conform to standards set by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, MGP tested around 700 samples, out of which at least 25% of the samples were adulterated with water. They also observed that around 5% of the samples were adulterated with sugar and urea to make the milk thick. Overall, more than 46% of the milk consumed by citizens is below the standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the state.
Speaking with iamin, Shubhada Chaukar, member of the MGP’s Pure Milk -Our Right campaign, says, "We tested various kinds of milk packets, branded as well as unbranded ones, which were brought by people to the camp. In most of the cases, the milk was seen to be adulterated with water.”
In Mumbai, the areas where maximum number of milk adulteration has been reported are in Dharavi, Vakola, Mahim and Wadala.
Also read:Four arrested in a milk adulteration racket in Borivali
The milk samples are tested by MGP in four ways. First, by inspecting the pouch or container, then checking its density-level using the lactometer, an electronic analyzer is used to check the percentage of fat, protein and water and finally a reagent kit is used to check for the presence of urea, sugar and starch.
Parameters to check the milk pouch:
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Temperature of the milk should be cold
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Stitches should be zigzag and sealed
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Four corners should be pointing outwards
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Name and address of the manufacturer should be mentioned
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Net quantity should be written
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MRP must be visible
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Type of milk must be mentioned on the packet
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Expiry date must be mentioned
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FSSAI license number must been written on the packet
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Nutrition table should be printed
The MGP will be holding a similar campaign in Goregaon, next week. Those who are interested in participating in the campaign, may contact the activists on 022-26281839. Consumers can also register a complaint on milk adulteration by calling on the FDA Maharashtra helpline number 1800222365 or Consumer Affairs Maharashtra Helpline number 1800222262.
For the longer version of the report, click here
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