Milk is often considerd as a rich source of calcium and an integral part of a balanced diet that helps with overall well being and boosts metabolism. But, what if the same milk turns out to be the cause for severe illness? Yes, you read it right. A recent raid in Uttar Pradesh resulted in seizing of 500 litre fake milk and 1 litre chemicals, Scroll down to read the details.
A businessman in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr has been held after he created 500 litres of fake milk using one litre of chemicals. According to the authorities, Ajay Agarwal--the owner of Agarwal traders who deal in milk and milk products--would mix artificial sweeteners and flavours in the chemicals to make it seem like real milk. He has been accused of selling synthetic milk and paneer for 20 years.
As per the raid by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), one shop and four godowns have been seized with pre-mixed chemicals. "Agarwal has not yet revealed the chemicals he used to create the fake milk but with only five mililitre of it, he could create up to two litres of fake milk," an official told reporters. He added that Agarwal used flavouring agents so that no one could distinguish the synthetic milk from the real one by its appearance, taste, or smell.
During the raid, officials seized chemicals like caustic potash, whey powder, sorbitol, milk permeate powder, and refined soya fats, that were probably being used for creating fake milk. And the artificial sweeteners used for making the milk were seized which were expired two years ago.
It is also reported that Agarwal had shared the synthetic milk formula with other milk sellers in his village to maximize the dairy business.
What is Caustic Potash
Also known as Potassium Hydroxide - KOH, it is a strong alkaline compound used in various industries. It is a white, water-soluble solid that absorbs moisture from the air.It is highly corrosive and is toxic for humans. It can cause burns in the mouth, throat, and stomach if ingested. Also, it leads to intense pain, swelling, and tissue damage. If inhaled, it can irritate the lungs and throat, leading to breathing difficulties. Its contact with skin or eyes causes burns, redness, and permanent damage.
What is Sorbitol
It is a sugar alcohol found naturally in fruits like apples, pears, and berries. It is widely used as a sweetener, moisturizer, and laxative in various industries. Its excessive consumption can cause bloating and digestive discomfort
How to check the purity of milk at home?
As per the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), there are simple and easy ways that one can use at home to check purity of milk at home. Take a look at some of the simple and easy methods.
Starch adulteration test
For this test, boil 2-3 ml of milk and let it cool down. Add 2-3 drops of iodine solution to the milk. If the milk is pure, colour will remain unchanged or will turn slightly yellowish and if it turns blue, then it is adulterated with starch.
Detergent adulteration test
For this test, take 5 ml of milk in a transparent glass and add an equal amount of water. Shake it well. Pure milk will have no lather or minimal lather formation, whole milk adulterated with detergent will have persistent lather or froth forms.
Urea adulteration test
For this test, take 5 ml of milk in a test tube. Add an equal amount of soybean or arhar powder to it. Shake well and let it sit for 5 minutes. Dip a red litmus paper in it. If the red litmus paper remains red, milk is pure, and if it turns blue, milk is adulterated with urea.
Presence of formalin
Take 10 ml of milk in a test tube, add 2-3 drops of concentrated sulphuric acid along the sides of the test tube without shaking. If the colour of milk doesn't change, the milk is pure and if violet or blue rings are formed, the milk is adulterated with formalin.
Synthetic milk test
Add 5 ml of milk and 5 ml of water in a test tube. Shake it well. If it doesn't form a stable lather, the milk is pure, and if it forms a persistent froth, then it is adulterated with synthetic detergents.
Water adulteration test
For this test, take a drop of milk on a polished and slanting surface. If the drop remains in place or flows slowly, leaving a white trail behind, the milk is pure. And if it drops quickly without a trail, then the milk is adulterated with water.
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