Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University spreads awareness on adulteration of milk products

Ludhiana, November 3

Adulteration of milk and milk products, particularly milk-based sweets is a major issue, especially during the festive season.

Ramneek, Dean, College of Dairy Science and Technology (CoDST) of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) while advising consumers said firstly, consumers had to be aware about products they were consuming.

He said adulteration was like a slow poison, not affecting immediately but long exposure could be hazardous to human health. Hence, it was important to stop this vicious cycle of adulteration that was affecting the nation in many aspects.

‘Crucial to stop adulteration’

Adulteration is like a slow poison, not affecting immediately but long exposure can be hazardous to human health. Hence, it is important to stop this vicious cycle of adulteration that is affecting the nation in many aspects. —Ramneek, Dean, College of Dairy Science and Technology (CoDST), GADVASU.

Dr Veena N, assistant professor, dairy chemistry, said consumers should buy products from Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) registered or licensed manufacturers only and should see that ingredients used in the manufacturing of products were mentioned. She further emphasised that consumers should be aware whether colorants and essence used in manufacturing were of food grade. ‘Sliver Vark’ was used to attract the consumers but the adulteration of it with aluminum was common. So, consumers should usually avoid sweets with silver vark or they should check whether the used vark was of good quality.

Moreover, they should also enquire about the manufacturing and expiry date of the product and the storage temperature. She advised that the consumers should file a complaint if they detect any adulteration or the case of food poisoning on the FSSAI website.

Adulteration could not be stopped with just consumer awareness. The manufacturers as well as food authorities also have to take certain steps. The manufacturers should know about food additives and their quantity permitted by the FSSAI for the manufacturing of specific products and not use any inferior-quality ingredients only to earn more profit, said Dr Veena. — TNS

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.