the goan I network
BELAGAVI
Alert citizens are approaching the authorities concerned to identify the ‘milk mafia’ engaged in supply of synthetic milk that is being packaged and promoted in the market, thus posing a threat to the lives of citizens. Though the probes and raids on the suppliers of synthetic milk slowed down on Friday due to Mahashivratri holiday, incidents of unscrupulous milkmen and dairies who have taken to adulterating milk with chemicals like hydrogen peroxide and formalin, etc, are also coming to the fore.
“These additives can extend the milk’s shelf life without refrigeration, as well as adding to the profit margin,” a technical officer from a leading brand told The Goan on condition of anonymity. “It is not only milk, but consumers should be also alert as by-products of milk like paneer and khava are also adulterated and can be hazardous to health,” the
official added.
According to officials, the adulteration racket is not only limited to the milk industry, but is also rampant in the manufacture of sweets made of khava. “Goans were not used to consumption of milk. However, since the last two decades, milk consumption in Goa has witnessed a surge. In order to ensure adequate supply and to protect Goans from the racket of milk mafia, officials concerned should remain alert as a lot of milk from the unorganised sector in Maharashtra and Karnataka is being supplied to the interior parts of the state,” a senior official opined, urging people to observe extra caution while purchasing milk
or sweets.
Meanwhile, the snag of the printing machine in the KMF unit of Belagavi was repaired on Thursday night, and the milk packets were supplied with the date printed on the packets from Friday.
