Food Safety Department Advises Simple Home Tests to Detect Milk Adulteration

Concerned over the growing threat of milk adulteration , the Andhra Pradesh Food Safety Department has stepped up efforts to educate consumers on how to identify contaminated dairy products at home. The move comes in the wake of a recent adulterated milk incident reported in Rajamahendravaram , prompting authorities to intensify awareness campaigns across the state.

Acting on the directions of Medical and Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav , Food Safety Director (IPM) Neelakanta Reddy issued an advisory urging people to check the purity of milk and ghee before consumption. The department is now spreading awareness about simple tests that households can perform without specialized equipment to detect common adulterants.

Officials explained that water is the most common substance mixed with milk , often used to increase volume. Consumers can easily detect this by placing a drop of milk on a smooth, slightly inclined surface . If the milk flows slowly and leaves a distinct white trail , it is likely pure. However, if it quickly runs down without forming a clear streak, it may indicate that water has been added.

Authorities also highlighted the risk of harmful chemicals such as detergents and urea , which are sometimes added to artificially enhance the appearance or thickness of milk. To identify these contaminants, consumers can perform a simple “shake test.” Mixing equal quantities of milk and water in a glass and shaking it vigorously will produce thick foam on the surface if detergents are present , while pure milk typically does not create persistent froth.

Another common form of adulteration involves adding starch-based substances like corn flour to make milk appear thicker and richer. This can be detected by adding two to three drops of iodine solution to a small sample of milk. If the milk turns blue , it indicates the presence of starch.

The Food Safety Department also cautioned the public about adulteration in ghee , a widely used dairy product in Indian households. Substances such as potato or sweet potato paste are sometimes added to alter texture and volume. This can also be detected using an iodine test, where a blue colour change signals contamination. Additionally, the presence of vanaspati or palm oil in ghee can be checked by heating a spoonful of ghee with a small amount of sugar. If the mixture turns red or pink , it suggests adulteration. Pure ghee, officials said, typically releases a distinct natural aroma when rubbed between the palms , a quality that adulterated products lack.

To strengthen vigilance, the government has urged citizens to report any suspected cases of adulteration. Consumers can lodge complaints through the toll-free helpline 1800-425-3857 or contact the IPM headquarters at 08645-297245 . Alongside enforcement measures, the department is also distributing awareness pamphlets in educational institutions and conducting social media campaigns to inform the public about food safety.

Officials believe that greater awareness and prompt reporting can help authorities curb adulteration and ensure safer dairy products for consumers across the state .