World Milk Day: More water, less nutrients in Mohali’s milk, shows year-long study

For the data gathered under the consumer awareness campaign, the board tested around 2,300 samples across the district, of which 1,000 were found to be diluted.

punjab Updated: Jun 01, 2018 14:24 IST

In Mohali town, milk is supplied from Mataur and Kumbra villages. During the testing of samples of dairy milk, it was found that the fat content was lower than normal.(Representative image )

Although chemical adulteration of milk is not prevalent in Mohali, but the district has been consuming diluted milk, a yearlong data with the Punjab Dairy Development Board (PDDB) has indicated.

For the data gathered under the consumer awareness campaign, the board tested around 2,300 samples across the district, of which 1,000 were found to be diluted.

“Although use of urea or other adulterant was not found in Mohali, diluting milk by adding water is also an unhealthy practice,” said Jasbir Singh, joint director, dairy development department of Punjab.

Residents either consume packaged milk or purchase it from dairy owners from nearby villages, who supply it door to door. In Mohali town, milk is supplied from Mataur and Kumbra villages. During the testing of samples of dairy milk, it was found that the fat content was lower than normal.

Milk test
Put a drop of milk on a smooth slanting surface
A drop of diluted milk will flow without leaving any mark behind
A drop of pure milk will leave a white trail and also flow slowly

“The standard fat content in cow milk is 3.5% while it is 6% in buffalo milk. However, in Mohali, fat content in cow milk was found to be less than 2.5% in many cases,” said Singh.

“Moreover, solid not fat (SNF) degree for cow milk is 8.3% and 9% for buffalo milk. Dilution lowers SNF degree, which means people pay Rs 45 for one litre of milk but do not get adequate nutrients from it,” he said.

Many people think water adulteration will not have any effect on health. However, one does not know the type of water being added to increase milk quantity. Many milk samples were found to be diluted with unsafe pond water,” said an officer of the awareness team.

Strict rules in place: Health dept

District health officer Rajbir Singh Kang said, “We are strict towards any type of adulteration. Cases relating dilution of milk go to the court of additional deputy commissioner, while those of chemical adulteration go to judicial court. The normal fine ranges from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000.”

“Sometimes the milk is less dense, which may be due to dilution by water. Diluted milk is not harmful as compared to packaged milk, which may have chemical adulterants,” said Sanjay Goel, a Sector-71 resident.