886 milk samples tested in 32 districts, safe: TN govt to HC

The Tamil Nadu government today informed the Madras High Court that 886 samples of milk taken from 32 districts were examined and found safe.
However, 11 of the 338 samples of milk products tested were found unsafe for consumption.
The Health and Family Welfare department stated this in its report filed in the court with regard to the action taken on complaints of adulteration of milk.
The department filed its report on the high court's direction issued during the hearing of a lawsuit filed by an advocate, Suryaprakasam, seeking a CBI probe into the reports of adulteration in milk by various private producers in the state.

Health and Family Welfare Department Secretary J Radhakrishnan in his affidavit submitted that none of the 886 samples lifted and analysed between August 5, 2011 and May 31, 2017, were found unsafe.
As many as 187 samples were found sub-standard and misbranded, following which 143 cases were registered and a penalty of Rs 10,26,300 was collected, he submitted.

The affidavit added that the department had on June 15 formed a state-level steering committee headed by chief secretary and district-level steering committees under the chairmanship of district collectors for smooth operation of regulatory provisions of the 'Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.'

On analysing the milk products, the counter stated, out of the 338 samples tested in 32 districts, 11 were found unsafe and 132 samples were found sub-standard and misbranded.
As many as 83 cases were lodged and a penalty of Rs 6,00,500 was collected, it said.
Elaborating on sub-standard milk products, Radhakrishnan said dilution with water, addition of vegetable fats, less fat are treated as sub-standard.
The official further submitted that a communication had already been sent on November 1, 2016 to authorities concerned to adhere to the directions and observations made by the Supreme Court on the issue.