Health Dept raids Verka milk plant, collects samples

Tribune News Service

Patiala, July 12

Days after complaints of curdled Verka milk at a supermarket the Health Department raided Verka milk plant at Hassanpur Prohtan today. Taking cognisance of the complaints by city residents, the Health Department inspected the plant and collected samples of milk and products thereof. 

A team of the Health Department led by district health officer (DHO), Dr Satinder Singh, and food safety officer (FSO) Puneet Sharma collected eight samples from the milk plant. 

Health officials said samples would be sent to the laboratory and appropriate action would be taken after receiving the report.

Talking about the raid, Dr Satinder said, “We have not found any violations related to safety precautions during the raid.” The collected samples include milk, cheese, desi ghee, lassi, mango juice, verka flavoured milk, and Verka chocolate milk.

As many as 40 Verka milk packets were destroyed by the staff at the supermarket on YPS Road, Patiala, after the milk was found to be spoilt and substandard on July 4. However, Verka officials acted swiftly on the complaint and conducted an inspection at the supermarket.

Earlier, General Manager (GM), Verka, Patiala, Gurmail Singh, had informed that supermarket officials, reportedly, did not maintain the cold chain, and milk turned sour due to scorching heat. Moreover, Verka has directed all supermarkets and store owners to maintain an ideal temperature of freezers.

When asked about complaints, he said Health Department did not find any lapses at the plant. “A proper cold chain is maintained at the plant as milk is transported in containers with proper refrigeration. I think, there was some negligence at the supermarket,” he added.