A video where it is said that Amul Taaza and Gold pouch milk have coliform levels has gone viral. The blind test was done by independent testing platform called Trustified. The content claims that the coliform levels found in the milk are 98 times higher than FSSAI's prescribed limits.
It also said that Mother Dairy and Country Delight pouch milk showed total plate count levels that far exceeded the safe threshold limit. For the uninitiated, the Total Plate Count (TPC) in milk is a laboratory test used to measure the total number of viable bacteria present in a milk sample.
Coliform bacteria is a group of bacteria that is commonly found in soil, water, vegetation, animal intestines and human intestines. So, when coliform is detected in milk, it does not always point to contamination of milk by human waste.
In India, in many milking setups, milk is extracted by hand. It is very much possible that cows may not be cleaned thoroughly before extracting milk from them. So, from udder area of cow, milker's hands to container in which milk is extracted, bacteria from cow dung can easily contaminate the milk.
This is why it is recommended to always boil milk at home as soon as it comes. Some people tend to think that milk in pouches is already pasteurized and they need not boil it again. However, as a cautionary step, one must boil the milk again.
Given that milk is a staple beverage in a majority of Indian households, the contamination reports have triggered a food safety debate, compelling the FSSAI to order a nationwide crackdown on adulteration of milk and misbranding of dairy products.
In response to the viral video, Amul said that all its products meet all safety standards. Dismissing the reports, the company said that there could be possible breaks in the cold chain at the retail or distribution level, rather than any manufacturing failure.
Moneycontrol team reached out to Dr Sharad Malhotra, senior consultant and director, Gastroenterology, Aakash Healthcare, to get a sense of what's happening, how one can protect oneself and tips on finding out adulteration in milk.
"High bacterial count in milk can stir uneasiness about the hygiene standards at some part of the supply chain. What one must understand here is that the exposure to contamination is not confined to production and milking stage, but may occur during transportation, storage, maintenance of cold chain, or during retail handling. Poor temperature control allows bacteria to grow unabated. Although harmful organisms decrease through pasteurization, inadequate storage after the processing is a compromise on safety," he shared.
Dr Malhotra also urged people to refrain from consuming pouch milk without boiling and ensure that pouch milk is kept under proper refrigeration. "The regulatory authorities may need to review hygiene audits along the entire supply chain, that is, from farm to retail shelf," he added.
Consuming contaminated milk without boiling can lead to development of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, or even food poisoning, he shared. "Susceptibility is stronger in children, elderly persons, pregnant women, and people with low immunity. So, continuous exposure to contaminated food can also affect the gut health," Dr Malhotra told Moneycontrol.
The doctor also emphasised that if the bacteria in the milk is not immediately pathogenic, in such conditions, the milk will have a shorter shelf-life, often become sour, or develop an odor before the expiration date. "A large number of bacteria present in the milk is an indication that the storage conditions during transportation, storage, and even on the shelves require an overhaul. Regular testing and refrigeration at all stages, from production to delivery at the doorstep, is a must to adhere to the safety parameters," he opined.
Dr Malhotra shares a few tips for consuming milk the right way
He urged people to bring the milk to a proper boil for at least 2-3 minutes to kill harmful bacteria. Partial heating is not recommended.
Keep the milk in the refrigerator at or below the recommended storage temperature. The ideal storage temperature is about 4°C. Do not leave the milk outside for too long, especially in hot climates.
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The milk must be consumed within 24-48 hours once the container is opened. This is because the growth rate of bacteria accelerates once it is opened.
Pouches should not be bloated, leaking, or exposed at room temperature at retail stores.
Milk Tetra pack milk is subjected to ultra-high temperature treatment and is sterile until opened. It is safe even if the reliability of the cold chain is suspect.
If a drop of milk is placed on a smooth tilted surface, pure milk flows slowly with a white trail, but if it is diluted it spreads quickly with no trail.
Boil milk and then let it cool down. If no cream layer forms on top of it, it shows that the milk has been diluted.
Store milk in a bottle and then shake it. If a lot of foam gets formed, it may be linked to detergent contamination.
Q. What does contaminated milk mean?
Milk that contains harmful bacteria, viruses, chemicals or adulterants due to poor hygiene or unsafe handling.
Q. What can happen if you drink contaminated milk?
It can cause food poisoning, stomach infections and digestive discomfort.
Q. What are common symptoms?
Diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever and nausea.
Q. Can contaminated milk cause serious illness?
Yes, especially in infants, elderly people, pregnant women and those with weak immunity.
Q. Which bacteria are commonly found in contaminated milk?
E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria and coliform bacteria.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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