ISLAMABAD: As many as 46 milk spots have been accused of supplying adulterated milk which is responsible for spreading various diseases in the federal capital, according to the data obtained by the food department.
After complaints from the general public, the food department collected 52 fresh milk samples from different dairy farms and milk shops in the premises of the federal capital and sent them to the National Institute of Health (NIH) for biological assessment. Only six milk samples complied with the standards while the 46 were proven to be using adulterated milk which caused diseases among citizens.
The Lactometer Reading (LR) is a technique on the basis of which the ratio of water is checked in milk. According to LR results, the ratio of water in the collected milk samples was between 22 per cent to 28 per cent while according to law, the maximum level should be below 14 per cent.
According to Punjab Pure Food (PPF), the minimum ratio of fats required in milk should be at least 5 per cent while most samples failed to fulfil this. The ratio of fats in 46 of the assessed milk samples ranged from 0.8 per cent to 2.7 per cent while only six samples fit the criteria.
The documents further added that according to PPF laws, the ratio of solids should be at least 14 per cent in milk. However, in those 46 samples, they ranged from 5.2 per cent to 9.48 per cent which is not only below standards but also toxic for human health.
It is worth mentioning here that ICT administration raided a dairy farm where 1,400kg of Indian powered milk was being used for manufacturing adulterated milk.
An investigation revealed that most of the dairy farms have no water purification plants and the contaminated water is directly used in the milk.
On the condition of anonymity, a source revealed that 80 per cent of the milk being supplied to tea stalls and restaurants is contaminated and hazardous for human health. “This milk is being sold to the buyers for Rs40 per kg which is not only hurting human health but is also promoting corrupt business practices,” the source added.
It is worth mentioning here that the Islamabad Food Regulatory Authority has not been formed yet despite various promises in the past and only one food inspector is on duty these days.
Dr Asif, an Islamabad-based medical expert, said that unfortunately, adulterated milk is a common issue in developing countries. “Due to adulterated milk, people are suffering from various types of cancer in India and the World Health Organisation (WHO) has also issued advisory notes regarding monitoring. India is following up on those notes by enforcing a strict monitoring regime,” he said.
It should be noted here that no specific punishment other than fine exists for those selling deaths. Pakistan Today tried getting ICT administration’s version on the story but no response was received.
