KARACHI: A majority of the raw milk samples collected from different parts of district Korangi have been found unfit for human consumption, a recent study of Karachi University’s Institute of Environmental Studies says.

Titled Public health quality of milk sold in district Korangi, Karachi, the study was carried out by Dr Aamir Alamgir under the supervision of Prof Moazzam Ali Khan.

The areas included in the study were Cattle Colony, Quaidabad, Korangi No. 5, Chakra Goth, Shah Faisal Colony No. 2, Shah Faisal Colony No. 3, Azeempura, Bagh-i-Korangi, Korangi No. 1, Korangi 2.5, Korangi Nasir Jump, P&T Colony and Korangi Crossing.

The study found that the raw milk being sold in these localities was contaminated with pathogens and fungi.

“Overall, the raw milk being sold in district Korangi is unfit for human consumption. Results showed that immediate and effective measures must be taken by local authorities as well as by the public to improve milk quality.

“This can only be done through proper sanitary practices and making no compromise on hygienic conditions regarding milk handling, transportation and preservation,” the study says.

According to the study, only five samples out of 20 were free from pathogens, particularly from E. coli, an indicator of faecal contamination, salmonella and lactobacillus species. Fungal species were found in all samples.

“Aspergillus niger were present in all the samples with abundance growth while 13 samples were contaminated with Aspergillus flavus. Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus candidus, Aspergillus fumigatus were also observed in few samples.

“Similarly, rhizopus, penicillium, curvularia, fusarium and mucor were also observed in few samples. Overall, the raw milk being sold in district Korangi was found unfit for human consumption,” it says.

Asked whether boiling can kill these germs in milk and make it safe for human consumption, Dr Alamgir replied in the affirmative but added that milk might get contaminated again due to unsafe storage, poor refrigeration or even improper boiling.

“Air is the main source of airborne fungal species, which are common in Karachi. As milk cools down after boiling, fungal contamination begins. The other worrisome area is the usage of un-boiled milk in food products, such as yogurt, lassi, confectionary items, milkshakes and ice cream,” he said.

Milk from sick animals

According to him, the kind of germs his team found in the milk indicated that the milk had been taken from sick animals.

“Milk obtained from sick and unhealthy animals is grossly contaminated with pathogens like salmonella species, streptococcus species, E. coli, micrococcus, lactobacillus and staphylococcus species, etc.

“A majority of samples (approximately 75pc) were contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, a major reason for milk-borne diseases especially in infants and people with low immune system. Only five samples were free from most of the pathogens particularly from E. coli, salmonella and lactobacillus species,” he explained.

Milk could get contaminated during the milking process in unhygienic conditions, improper storage, collection and transportation, he said.

Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2018