68% milk samples fail adulteration test: Nadda

In a startling revelation, Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Tuesday said 68.4 <g data-gr-id="28">per cent</g> milk samples, collected from 33 states, did not pass the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) test. It is worth mentioning that while conducting a nationwide survey on milk adulteration in 2011, the FSSAI has collected a total of 1,791 samples through its five regional offices. In a written reply to a question on milk adulteration in the Rajya Sabha, Nadda said: “About 68.4 per cent of the samples were found to be non-conforming to the prescribed standards. About 46.8 per cent samples were found to be sub-standard in respect to Fat and Solid Not Fat (SNF) contents.”

“Another 44.69 <g data-gr-id="18">per cent</g> of the samples (548) in respect to skim milk powder were found to be non-conforming to the prescribed standards. The presence of glucose was detected in 477 samples. A total of 103 samples (5.75 <g data-gr-id="19">per cent</g>) were found to be adulterated with detergents,” he said.

The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, provides for <g data-gr-id="15">graded</g> penalties, including life imprisonment, for adulteration. However, its implementation and enforcement primarily rests with the state and UT governments, the minister added.