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A recent survey by Express News to different milk shops showed that contaminated milk continues to be sold openly across the district. The adulterated milk is prepared with chemical powder, urea and water. Those responsible for inspection are allegedly involved in corruption. In this regard, the actions of the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) are confined to papers only. The officials concerned have turned a blind eye to the illegal practice.
Raid: Adulterated milk wasted
Authorities have permitted vendors to sell adulterated milk without fear resulting in people consuming unwholesome dairy products.
Further, milk vendors also add a large quantity of water into the milk, while fake formula is being also being sold. Using detergent and urea, low quality milk is manufactured on a commercial basis.
A report issued by the World Health Organisation stated that Pakistan produces 140 million litres of milk annually, while 500 million litres of it is sold. The additional quantity of milk is prepared and supplied through dubious methods.
Local milk vendors are not the only ones involved in the business; some foreign brands are also allegedly part of the racket. Most multinational milk companies obtain marketing permission through bribes and sell adulterated milk that causes cancer and liver and cardiac diseases.
Formula milk producers left in conundrum
As a common practice, milk sellers administer injections to buffaloes so that they produce a larger quantity of milk. The milk is extracted through machines and this amalgamated milk is being sold in shops.
The people appealed to the chief justice to take suo moto notice of the matter and award stern punishment those involved. They also demanded that milk shops be issued¬ licenses and that a ban be imposed on selling milk without one. They said that anyone caught adulterating milk should be arrested along with the area’s food inspector.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 1st, 2018.
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