Milk provided to City unfit for humans

Besides contamination of bacteria, 90 per cent of the samples were found contaminated with sulfa drugs and 40 per cent with aflatoxin. In all the samples, calsium and magnesium was found in lesser concentration and copper in higher concentration. Zinc was found in lesser concentration in five and in higher concentration in two samples. Iron was found in lesser concentration in three and in higher concentration in four milk samples.

The experts believe that polluted environment in which cattle are kept and fed, and the artificial means adopted by the owners to get extra milk are responsible for changing the natural chemical balance of milk supplied to the citizens.

Interestingly, there is no law under which milk can be chemically analysed and punishment awarded to the responsible persons. The concerned department can take action only against adulteration of milk with water.

Sources say the Punjab government is in the process of formulating a new law to allow chemical and pathological analysis of milk to check adulteration of hazardous chemicals also.