Kottayam: Not everything white is pure milk, but residents of Kottayam can breathe a sigh of relief this festive season. The Dairy Development Department has launched stringent quality checks across the district, assuring households that the milk reaching their doorsteps for Onam will be pure and free from harmful adulterants.
Initial testing of 25 milk samples collected from various distribution centres at the department’s analytical laboratory in Erayilkadavu has returned reassuring results, with zero traces of chemical adulteration detected so far. Equipped with state-of-the-art testing machinery, the district laboratory is fully prepared to handle the festive rush, with officials confirming they will utilise regional and state-level labs of the department if further advanced analysis is required.
Free quality testing for the public
To boost public confidence and support local dairy networks, the Erayilkadavu lab is offering testing services to dairy farmers, vendors, and the general public. Anyone concerned about the purity of their milk or dairy products can get them tested for chemical preservatives or adulterants here. While the lab is operational throughout the week, comprehensive testing services are specially mobilised on Wednesdays to handle public walk-ins and larger batches.
The sudden surge in demand during festive periods often triggers public concern regarding the addition of chemical preservatives like formalin or boric acid to prevent milk from spoiling during transport. To address these anxieties, the authorities have significantly intensified surveillance and random sampling in the local markets.
Meeting the festive demand safely
Special inspection squads will continue conducting surprise market raids and collecting samples from vendors in the coming days. Kottayam houses 30 private packet milk brands alongside the state-run co-operative Milma. During the peak days of Onam, daily milk consumption in the district is expected to skyrocket to 500,000 litres — a massive leap from the average daily demand of 300,000 litres.
To keep a tight check on quality, the Dairy Development Department is working in close coordination with the Food Safety Department. If any brand or vendor is found selling substandard or adulterated milk, the case will be immediately referred to the Food Safety Department for stringent legal action. Food safety officials are specifically looking out for hazardous substances such as formalin and boric acid, which pose serious health risks. Currently, Kottayam boasts a robust network of 250 dairy co-operatives functioning across 12 blocks, all under active monitoring to ensure a safe and healthy Onam for everyone.
