Milk Adulterants in Quetta: A Threat to Public Health

Abstract

Milk a natural rich lacteal secretion that provides all essential nutrients required by body. This study was designed to detect milk adulterants alongwth various physiochemical factors in milk sold in Quetta market. A total of 120 raw milk samples were collected hygienically and subjected to milk adulteration Kit (UVAS Lahore). Results revealed that overall, 11.66 % samples revealed adulteration with any single chemical adulterant. Water and powdered milk were the major adulterants found almost in all samples. On towns basis Zarghoon town samples were more adulterated (18%) than Chiltan Town samples (5%). Other parameters such as, Electrical Conductivity, pH, Fat percentage, Total Solids and Solid Not Fat were observed below than normal values in most of the samples. Adulterants like Urea, Hydrogen Peroxide, Sorbitol, Boric acid, Quaternary Ammonium Compound, Carbonate, Soap and Alcohol were not detected in any sample. However, Sodium chloride (1.66 %), Formalin (3.33 %), Hypochlorite (2.5 %), Starch (2.5 %) and sugar (4.16 %) were detected.
 This study explores the potential health hazard due to adulterated milk sold in retail outlets in Quetta market. There is dire need of regular monitoring of milk and its products by concerned food authority. These findings will help to build a concrete strategy to curtail this problem and improve the life standards of people.