Diwali 2023: Identifying Adulterated Milk and Milk Products


2023/11/08 13:44:14 IST

Safeguarding your health this Diwali

    Milk, a staple in many diets, is a valuable source of nutrients. However, the risk of adulteration can pose serious health concerns.

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Physical Inspection: The First Step

    Observe the milks appearance: Fresh milk has a uniform white colour and a smooth consistency. If the milk appears yellowish or has visible lumps or particles, it could be adulterated.

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Testing for Water Addition

    The Water Drop Test: Place a drop of milk on a sloping surface. Pure milk leaves a white trail, while milk adulterated with water spreads immediately.

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One more water test method

    Boiling Test: Boil a small sample of milk. If it forms curds or has a bluish tinge, it indicates water addition.

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Detecting Starch and Urea Adulteration

    Starch Test: Add a few drops of iodine solution to a milk sample. A blue colour indicates starch adulteration. Urea Test: Add a teaspoon of soybean powder to a milk sample and mix well. After 5 minutes, dip a red litmus paper into it. A colour change from red to blue indicates urea adulteration.

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Checking for Detergent and Artificial Colouring

    Detergent Test: Shake a small amount of milk in a test tube. If it forms excessive lather, it could indicate detergent adulteration. Artificial Colouring Test: Add a few drops of vinegar to a milk sample. If the colour turns pink or reddish, it suggests artificial colouring.

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Avoiding Adulterated Milk: Preventive Measures

    Purchase milk from trusted sources, such as reputable dairies or grocery stores. Check the milks packaging for proper labelling and expiry dates.

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