Health inspectors from the local body will collect milk samples from across Kochi and send them to government-run laboratories

KOCHI: Ahead of the upcoming Vishu festival, the corporation has come up with a drive against the sale of adulterated milk in the city.From Monday, health inspectors from the local body will collect milk samples from across Kochi and send them to government-run laboratories, to identify the presence of hazardous chemicals and other harmful substances. Chairman of health standing committee T K Asharaf said the corporation, which has so far been concentrating on raiding hotels and restaurants for sale of stale food, has decided to check milk samples considering its high demand during the festive season. It is pointed out that about 40% of the milk sold in the state comes from neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra. During Onam and Vishu, there is an increased demand for milk.A data released by the diary development department shows that daily about 6.5 lakh litres passes through Valayar and Meenakshipuram check-posts in Palakkad. "We will check for presence of preservatives, starch and other antibiotics used for increasing the shelf-life and quality of milk, and publish details of the marketer or producer along with the particulars of the substances identified," said Asharaf. He also said the results would be forwarded to the state commissioner of food safety. The corporation can test the milk samples at the regional analytical laboratory or opt for the laboratory with the dairy development department. The chief food safety officer for Ernakulam Mohammed Rafi said that he had not received any complaints regarding sale of adulterated milk. According to him, the food safety officer of the corporation can initiate action against culprits."The corporation can impose a temporary ban on products which are found to be adulterated. The product can be completely banned only after conducting further tests. The methods of conducting the test and the procedures followed should be acceptable to the court of law," he said. From Monday, health inspectors from the local body will collect milk samples from across Kochi and send them to government-run laboratories, to identify the presence of hazardous chemicals and other harmful substances.

Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com