Hazardous chemicals found in milk during raids across East Godavari

Adulterated milk containing hazardous substances such as urea, maltodextrin and detergents has been detected during raids across the milk supply chain in East Godavari district.

The Animal Husbandry and Food Safety authorities have jointly conducted inspections of dairy units, vendors and retail points since February 22. District Animal Husbandry Officer T. Srinivasa Rao said that 705 milk samples were collected, of which 15 were found to be adulterated.

In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the authorities said one sample contained urea, while detergent was detected in eight samples. Maltodextrin was found in two samples. The remaining four samples were of poor quality, with suspected formulation of adulteration. All the 15 samples of adulterated milk have been sent for further tests in the FSSAI Laboratory in Visakhapatnam.

Maltodextrin powder is reportedly extracted from the starch of corn and it leads to a spike in blood sugar, affecting gut health.

Urea is reportedly used by the milk vendors to increase Solids-Not-Fat (SNF) content, helps improve thickness. Consumption of milk adulterated with urea involves risks including damage to the digestive system and renal failure.

The joint inspection and raids on the milk supply chain system has been intensified across the East Godavari district after 16 people died and four survived after consuming milk adulterated with Ethylene Glycol in Rajamahendravaram since February 15.