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Milk quality largely safe; Aflatoxin M1 contamination graver concern
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Saturday, 19 October, 2019, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi
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FSSAI has claimed that the quality of milk in the country is largely safe. However, it has added that contamination due to Aflatoxin M1 and Antibiotic residues is a more serious problem than adulteration.
The country’s apex regulator released the final report of the National Milk Safety and Quality Survey 2018 on Friday, and claimed that the survey results demolished the perception of large-scale milk adulteration in the country.
According to the FSSAI, the survey has shown that just 12 out of 6,432 samples of milk were found adulterated that render such milk unsafe for human consumption.
Six samples were found adulterated with hydrogen peroxide, three with detergents, two with urea and one sample was found to have neutralisers.
No samples were found with boric acid and nitrates, the other two possible adulterants. Out of 12 adulterated samples, nine were from Telangana, two from Madhya Pradesh and one from Kerala.
“While, there is concern, but this dispels wide spread perception that liquid milk in the country is largely adulterated,” said Pawan Kumar Agarwal, chief executive officer, FSSAI.
A major finding in the survey was the presence of Aflatoxin M1 residues beyond permissible limits in 368 (out of 6,432) samples, that is 5.7 per cent of the samples.
Agarwal stated that this was the first time that such a detailed survey of presence of Aflatoxin M1 in milk had been done in the country. Aflatoxin M1 comes in the milk through feed and fodder, which are currently not regulated in the country.
The three states with the highest levels of Aflatoxin M1 residues are Tamil Nadu (88 out of 551 samples), Delhi (38 out of 262 samples) and Kerala (37 out of 187 samples). This problem is more dominant in processed milk rather than raw milk.
The survey further showed that 77 (out of 6,432) samples, that 1.2 per cent of the samples had residues of antibiotics above the permissible limits.
The three states with the highest levels of antibiotic residues are Madhya Pradesh (23 out of 335 samples), Maharashtra (nine out of 678 samples) and Uttar Pradesh (eight out of 729 samples). Only one raw milk sample in Kerala was found to contain pesticide residue above the permissible level.
Agarwal stated that this was the first time that a quantitative analysis of all samples that failed on account of adulterants and contaminants had been done. It was found that the level of adulterants and contaminants in failed samples was not high, therefore, it was unlikely to a pose serious threat to human health.
“FSSAI is, however, committed to zero tolerance for any adulteration and contamination of milk. The survey has helped in identification of hot spots, so that more intensified efforts for surveillance and enforcement could be taken up in such areas,” he added.
The regulatory chief stated that a campaign shall begin soon from Delhi about milk safety.
He added that a meeting of stakeholders was held on the subject, and there was a unanimous view that incidents of spurious milk were isolated cases restricted to few places and occasional like during festivals.
Meanwhile, with the stakeholders, FSSAI discussed about the presence of ammonium sulphate in milk. The regulator stated that after a careful review of scientific opinion, the group came to the conclusion that ammonium sulphate was coming into the milk naturally and was absolutely safe and not a contaminant as earlier thought. It was noted that ammonium sulphate is allowed as an additive in certain foods in several countries.
Overall, over 93 per cent of the samples, that is 5,976 (out of 6,432) samples were found to be absolutely safe for human consumption. The survey, however, showed that about 41 per cent samples, though safe, fall short of one or another quality parameter.
Both raw and processed samples were found non-compliant on account of low fat or low SNF (solid not fat) or both. Proportion of fat and solid non-fat (SNF) in milk varies widely by species and depends on breed as well as quality of feed and fodder.
“Non-compliance of fat and SNF in standardised/processed milk was, however, surprising,” stated FSSAI.
FSSAI’s report said that the presence of maltodextrin in 156 (out of 6,432) samples and sugar in 78 (out of 6,432) samples was yet another surprise. This mainly confined to processed milk.
Maltodextrin and sugar are not unsafe, but added to raise the level of fat and SNF. While, these do not represent threat to human health, but stringent action is required to curb this wrong practice.
The survey did not find any non-compliance on account of other parameters, viz. cellulose, glucose, starch and vegetable oil, was not found in the collected samples.
This milk survey was conducted between May and October 2018, covering all states and UTs (Union Territories).
A total of 6,432 samples of milk were collected from 1,103 towns/cities with population above 50,000, representing both the organised (retailers and processors) and non-organised (local dairy farms, milk vendors and milk mandis) sectors.
THe number of samples collected was linked to the population at the sampling locations and covered different types of milk (raw and processed, of various types).
While all samples were tested on the spot for critical parameters of quality and safety, those that failed on account of contaminants and adulterants were subjected to confirmatory analysis.
This was done by proficient analysts in NABL-accredited and FSSAI-recognised laboratories using high-end equipment and employing established testing protocols.
This survey has been carried out by an independent third-party agency. It is first-of-its kind extensive well-designed, representative and most comprehensive survey to assess safety and quality of liquid milk so far.
Agarwal, in a statement, said that the outcome of the survey was a myth buster, as this was contrary to wide-spread perception of large-scale milk adulteration in the country based on a deceitful campaign and unsubstantiated reports.
The FSSAI survey has clearly shown that while milk is largely safe, contamination due to Aflatoxin M1 and antibiotic residues is a more serious problem than milk adulteration and the quality concerns persist.
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