Curdled milk found at supermarket

Patiala, July 6

 As many as 40 milk packets were destroyed after complaints of curdled milk being sold at the More Supermarket on the YPS Road were received by Verka officials. In fact, consumers on Friday evening queued up at the store to get Verka milk replaced after it was found spoilt and substandard. However, supermarket officials blamed the Verka plant for the spoilt milk. On the other hand Verka officials blamed the supermarket for not maintaining a cold chain.

 Another consumer Sushma Kumari (45) said, “If substandard milk of a company is being sold at the fourth largest supermarket in India, who should we believe in? Strict action should be taken whosoever is responsible for the negligence.”

Verka officials carried out an inspection at the supermarket on Saturday. Officials said thee supermarket reportedly did not maintain the cold chain and the milk turned sour due to the scorching heat.

 Meanwhile, General Manager (GM), Verka, Patiala, Gurmail Singh, said, “The supermarket did not maintain the required storage temperature for milk products, which led to the problem. We have strictly directed supermarket officials to maintain the ideal temperature of the freezer.” District Health Officer (DHO), Dr Satwinder Singh, said, “Today, we checked the supermarket. Now, the cold chain is being maintained at the store. We did not collect samples as no complaints regarding the issue were received today.”

A consumer at the supermarket said, “Despite receiving a complaint in the afternoon, the store did not stop the sale of milk. Health Department, I think, is sleeping as its officials have not collected samples till now.” — TNS