ADULTERATED milk is freely sold and consumed across Pakistan. Milk is an essential part of human nutrition, but this ‘white gold’ in Pakistan has increasingly become a source of concern rather than nourishment due to unhygienic practices.

In a 2009 study on the physical and chemical quality of milk in Tandojam, 125 samples from various sources were collected that revealed alarming levels of adulteration. Common malpractices included the addition of water and ice, significantly degrading milk’s quality.

A 2016 study in Hyderabad echoed these findings, showing that 49 per cent of the samples had been diluted with water, while 28.8pc contained detergents. Other adulterants included cane sugar and starch. Such additives compromise milk’s nutritional value, turning a vital food source into a potential health hazard.

The problem is not limited to loose milk. A 2017 report revealed that of 16 brands of packaged milk tested at the laboratory of the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), only six met safety standards, despite undergoing various treatments designed to eliminate harmful bacteria.

A subsequent study in 2020 provided a broader view of the crisis. A staggering 82.78pc of 900 milk samples collected across Sindh were found adulterated. The investigation detected 20 adulterants, including water, detergents, rice flour, cane sugar, starch, caustic soda, and even hazardous substances, like formalin, hydrogen peroxide and boric acid.

The challenges extend beyond chemical contamination. According to a recent media report quoting the University of Agriculture in Peshawar, loose milk is a significant source of diseases due to unhygienic conditions and adulterants. Such milk often harbours harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites, causing various illnesses. Several tragedies get reported in the media every now and then involving the detah of individuals after consuming milk tainted with insecticide and benzodiazepine, a sedative. Such incidents underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms.

Globally, stricter regulations have shown results, but the milk supply chain in Pakistan has remained largely tradit-ional and unregulated, struggling to ensure safety and quality. The solution lies in legislative reforms, strict enforcement of food safety standards, and public awareness campaigns. Cleanliness at livestock farms, proper storage and transportation, and the use of approved preservatives can help rebuild trust in this vital food source.

Without these measures, the ‘white gold’ that has the potential to sustain millions will continue to be a silent threat to public health.

To ensure milk safety, it is vital to enforce strict regulatory oversight with mandatory pasteurisation laws and regular quality checks at critical points. A modern cold chain infrastructure, coupled with the use of hygienic storage and transpo-rtation methods, can significantly reduce contamination.

Investment in affordable testing tech-nologies, research and digital traceability systems can enhance quality control. Collaboration between the public and private sectors, policy reforms, and incentives for adopting safer practices will help establish a reliable and safe milk supply chain, reducing health risks.

Parkash Meghwar
Public Analyst, Sindh Food Authority
Karachi

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2025