State-wide raids on milk suppliers
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22/07/2008
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Hindu (Chennai)
This followed reports of large-scale sale of adulterated milk
"Urea, tissue paper, animal fat, sodium bicarbonate, soap powder and starch mixed with milk'
UNDER SCANNER: The seized milk sachets in Thanjavur on Tuesday.
CHENNAI: Officials of the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine on Tuesday conducted State-wide raids on branded and unbranded milk following reports of large-scale sale of adulterated milk by unlicensed vendors in Tamil Nadu.
The day-long raids were conducted by the officials on milk processing plants of major brands as well as village milk cooperative societies, milk collection centres, chilling centres, retail shops, and milk parlours. The officials also conducted checks at the Ambattur and Madhavaram dairies of Aavin and lifted milk samples.
Over 1,500 litres of milk kept in unhygienic containers for sale after the expiry date was destroyed by officials. Action was also taken against unlicensed vendors.
In Madurai, 850 litres was destroyed, 200 litres in Ambattur Municipality, 175 litres in Cuddalore and 140 litres in Dindigul as they were found to be either adulterated or stored in unhygienic conditions. In Tirunelveli district, milk being taken to an Aavin chilling centre in an unsealed can was seized. Aavin officials were informed about the seizure.
T. Jeyakumar, Joint Director of Public Health, who is also the State Health Authority for Prevention of Food Adulteration, told The Hindu that the department received complaints of adulterated milk being sold from consumer organisations and individuals from across the State. There were also reports in newspapers about adulteration.
The teams were asked to examine every institution processing, transporting or selling milk, whether or not there was a suspicion of adulteration. Officials were asked to take action as per Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, and Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939.
He said urea, tissue paper, animal fat, sodium bicarbonate, soap powder and starch were mixed with milk to increase its density and whiteness.The collected samples would be sent to the directorate's food analysis laboratories located in Guindy, Thanjavur, Palayamkottai, Salem and Coimbatore.
The reports, expected to be ready in about 20 days, will be sent to the local health authority and to the State Authority. The State Authority will then sanction prosecution against offenders.
The maximum punishment that can be given is life imprisonment, especially in cases where the adulterant is life-threatening of if it has already caused death or disability. The minimum punishment could be simple imprisonment for three months or a fine, Dr. Jeyakumar said.