Sale of adulterated milk rampant in Narowal

Vendors add detergent and urea to prepare milk on commercial basis

NAROWAL: The sale of adulterated milk has continued for several years in Narowal’s Zafarwal tehsil. It is an unregulated practice and those involved are playing with the lives of people. The district administration seems least interested in curbing this practice and has failed to take action against the perpetrators.

A recent survey of different shops by Express News shows that contaminated milk continues to be sold openly across the region. The adulterated milk is prepared by simply mixing chemical powder, urea and water. However, the authorities responsible for keeping checks and balances are allegedly involved in the malpractice.

Steps taken by the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) to eradicate this phenomenon are dissatisfactory.

Officials concerned have turned seemingly turned a blind eye to the situation.

Locals claim authorities have permitted vendors to sell adulterated milk without fear, resulting in people consuming unwholesome dairy products.

Further, vendors also add a large quantity of water into the milk, while fake formula is also being sold openly. In a bid to manufacture cheap and adulterated milk on a commercial basis, milk sellers use detergent and urea in their product.

As a common practice, milk sellers inject buffaloes to produce a larger quantity of milk.

While speaking to Express News, Akbar Yaqub, a resident of Shakargarh Road, says the sale of adulterated and toxic milk has continued openly, but officials concerned have not taken action against any milk seller. “Those selling such milk should be put behind bars and heavy fines must be imposed on them,” he added.

Malik Usman, another local, says it is a pity that people cannot get anything pure to eat or drink.
“The food authority officials are not performing their job with honesty as milk prepared with chemical is being sold openly without fear.”

He suggests that the government launch a countrywide crackdown against the milk sellers and end this practice.

Meanwhile, an official of the district administration, requesting anonymity, said officials conduct raids at regular intervals to keep a check on the sale of adulterated items.

“A number of milk shops have been sealed while those involved in this business have also been fined. Despite efforts, the sale continues, he points out.

Locals demand that the Punjab government and district administration take mote of the matter and sternly punish those involved.