‘70% of milk products in Palamu low quality’

Daltonganj: Seven out of 11 milk samples collected from ‘khatals’ (cowsheds) have failed the mandatory quality test, officials said on Wednesday. June 7 is observed as the World Food Safety Day.
Palamu civil surgeon Dr Ashok Kumar along with additional chief medical officer-cum-designated officer of food safety Dr Anil Kumar and Palamu food safety officer Gulab Lakra said 70% milk products sold here are sub-standard. “Adulteration of milk is rampant in Daltonganj,” Dr Anil added.
Dr Ashok said, “We need to implement strict checks for ‘paneer’ and ‘khowa’, which have maximum sales. There is a need to generate awareness among people about the health hazards from the consumption of poor quality ‘paneer’ and ‘khowa’.”
Adulteration has also been detected in other food items in the past 150 days and 17 cases were lodged against the accused. “Markets in Daltonganj are highly prone to sub-standard items. Vendors colour raw turmeric in yellow and sell it as high-yield turmeric.” Dr Anil said.
Dr Ashok said, “There are many food-borne diseases but it’s difficult to classify food poisoning.”
“There is a lack of awareness of food safety among the public. We find over ripe mangoes and bananas on sale by the roadsides. These are cheap but people do not know the adverse effects on health.” Dr Anil added.