Taking a serious view of reports of milk adulteration in Anantapur district, Upa-Lokayukta P. Rajani on Friday (February 7) directed the Commissioner of Food Safety to instruct all assistant food controllers and food safety officers to conduct surprise inspections of local dairies and milk suppliers.
She told them collect samples and take action under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act if the samples are found to be adulterated. Ms. Rajani also ordered the official to keep an eye on milk chilling units and establish milk purity testing centres. She told the official to submit a final action-taken report by March 24.
According to a press release from the Upa-Lokayukta, sale of adulterated milk was rampant in Anantapur district, and the officials had seized an adulterated milk production unit in Bandamidipalli of Raptadu mandal. An investigation showed that the milk contained a harmful chemical called maltodextrin, the use of which increased over time. Various chemicals, including the one mentioned above, were seized.
Nearly one lakh litre of adulterated milk was reportedly entering the market daily in the State, apparently with the involvement of farmers, dairy owners and middlemen. If one racket was exposed, others quickly adapted and continued with their illegal business.
Detecting milk adulteration was also difficult since the colour, texture and taste remain unchanged. Additives such as maltodextrin and synthetic milk mimic the consistency of real milk, the press release said.
Published – February 07, 2025 07:01 pm IST
