Substandard milk samples were detected in Odisha following laboratory tests conducted last year, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik informed the State Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.
According to the Minister, milk samples collected from 88 private dairy companies were tested, and eight were found to be substandard. The disclosure has triggered concern among consumers regarding the safety and quality of milk available in the market.
At present, apart from OMFED, 22 companies are engaged in the dairy business in Odisha. Of these, 10 are based in Odisha, while 12 operate from outside the state, the Minister stated.
The government has assured that efforts to identify and curb the sale of fake or adulterated milk will continue.
Residents in Balasore expressed serious concerns over milk adulteration. One local alleged that some milk suppliers inject cows before milking to increase production, claiming that such practices could pose serious health risks.
Another resident demanded greater transparency, urging the government to regularly test milk samples and publicly release the names of companies found violating quality standards so consumers can make informed choices.
Experts emphasised the need for strict implementation of food safety laws, including the Food Adulteration Act. They noted that merely condemning adulteration is insufficient and called for stronger enforcement mechanisms.
One expert highlighted the need for more manpower, better machinery, distribution vehicles and advanced quality-check equipment to strengthen monitoring systems. He pointed out that the number of officials responsible for checking food quality remains limited and that inspection frequency needs improvement.
Another expert, Pradeep Behera, stated that dairy companies typically test milk before collecting it from farmers and reject substandard supplies. He alleged that adulteration usually occurs at the company level rather than by farmers.
