Milk Adulteration in Hyderabad, India ? A Comparative Study on the Levels of Different Adulterants Present in Milk

摘要

The study was carried out keeping in view the recently emerging concern of adulteration of natural milk with various illegal substances to increase its marketability. This study explains in detail the hygienic status of milk supplied to various cafes, small hotels and other public and educational institutions. A total of 50 samples were collected from different localities in Hyderabad, India and tested for determination and extent of adulteration. Qualitative analyses were carried out on 50 milk samples; a standard milk adulteration kit manufactured by Himedia laboratories, Mumbai, India was used. Following are the significant observations of the study: - Sucrose and skim milk powder were present in 22% and 80% of the milk samples respectively. Urea, neutralizers and salt were present in 60%, 26% and 82% of the milk samples respectively. Formalin, detergents and hydrogen peroxide were present in 32%, 44%, and 32% of the milk samples obtained. All percentage values are indicative of presence of these adulterants (trace, moderate and high amounts combined). This qualitative analysis which has unfolded proved that the milk procured did not conform to the legal standards and was adulterated with toxic chemicals which are injurious to health.