Mumbai: Milk is a wholesome meal. However multiple reports of milk adulteration every day raise concerns about its purity. Harmful substances like detergents, synthetic compounds, urea, and caustic soda are commonly added to milk, posing serious health risks such as food poisoning, gastrointestinal issues, heart problems, cancer, and even death when consumed over time.
Preservatives are often added to extend milk’s shelf life, while water is mixed in to increase volume, further contaminating the milk. Artificial colours and oils are sometimes added to buffalo milk, while vegetable fats are used to mimic the fat content in synthetic milk. These adulterants can be identified through various tests.
Common adulterants in milk
Some common adulterants and their effects include:
Table sugar: Added to increase the carbohydrate content and density of milk.
Starch: Mixed to raise the solid content.
Boric and benzoic acids: Used to extend milk’s shelf life.
Soap: Added to thicken milk, causing potential kidney and stomach problems.
Formalin: A preservative with toxic effects on the liver and kidneys.
Ammonium sulfate: Increases milk’s density, skewing lactometer readings.
How to detect adulteration in milk?
Here are a few tests to determine whether the milk is adulterated or not.
Starch adulteration can be detected through a starch-iodine test, where a blue colour forms upon adding iodine to the milk sample.
Sodium chloride in milk is detectable by adding potassium chromate and silver nitrate to the milk, with yellow precipitation indicating its presence.
Detergent can be detected by shaking the milk with water, producing foam if detergent is present.
The presence of glucose can be confirmed using a diabetic strip, which changes colour when dipped in the milk sample.
WATCH:
https://www
To perform this simple test, take a long glass plate and tilt it slightly. Pour one or two teaspoons of milk onto the plate. If the milk flows down slowly and leaves a trail or stain behind, it indicates that the milk is pure. However, if the liquid slides straight down without leaving any trace of milk, it suggests that water has been mixed with the milk. This test is a straightforward way to check if water has been added to the milk you’re using.
Milk adulteration is a prevalent issue that threatens the safety and reliability of the milk supply chain, posing significant risks to public health. Contaminated milk can lead to severe health consequences, including chronic diseases, acute poisoning, digestive disorders, and even death.
Addressing this problem requires collaboration between lawmakers, regulatory agencies, industry stakeholders, and consumers to implement strict quality control measures, improve detection techniques, and raise awareness about the hazards of adulterated milk.
Milk adulteration is a widespread concern that affects both health and safety. This article outlines the common adulterants found in milk, their risks, and simple methods to detect them, ensuring safer milk consumption for you and your family. Food & Drink Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
