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Adulterated milk

Divya Sharma, New Delhi

As if the pollution level in the capital is not bad enough, what is left of the natural nutrients for the urban populace also seems to be drying up. Thanks to the laxity on the part of the food and milk inspectors, the infants as well and adults in the c ity, will be forced to stop consuming milk, considering the rampant adulteration practiced by most private dairy operators.

According to a recent news report, caustic soda and chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide are used liberally to increase the shelf-life of milk. Dairy owners also use harmful chemicals such as zentamycin in the milk.

Intake of these chemicals can cause diseases in the intestine and are harmful for the eye. They are particularly harmful for infants and children and can be life threatening. Continuous intake of zentamycin has the potential to cause cancer as well.

All that we can deduce from such reports is that it is not safe to drink milk from private dairy operators, and while the Government remains inactive, the life of innocents are put under risk.

The Government should act firmly before it is too late and ensure quality in stages of milk processing. Some measures may include safe procurement, hi-tech processing, tamper proof packaging and efficient distribution. All this has become extremely impor tant, considering the adulteration practices followed by dairy owners.