Test to detect detergents in milk

New rapid detection test developed to check for presence of detergents in milk

It seems a large proportion of the milk sold in India is adulterated. The milk that you drink could be contaminated with anything from non-fat solids and skimmed milk powder to detergents. But a solution is in the works to reduce the likelihood of the consumer receiving adulterated milk.

The reality

In 2011, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) conducted a study, the National Survey on Milk Adulteration 2011, in which it analysed a total of 1,791 samples collected at random from across the country. Slightly over 68% of the samples collected and analysed were found to be contaminated. All samples from Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Daman and Dui, Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal were found to have contaminations, while Goa and Puducherry were the only two places from which 100% of the samples collected turned out to be pure.

The new test

The National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) has developed a new method of testing milk, said to take less than two minutes, which can detect the presence of as little as 20mg of detergent in 100ml of pure milk.

Dr A K Srivastava, Director of the NDRI tells us that the test – the only kind available for rapid detection of detergent in milk – is colour-based and that the results are quick. Talking about how the test works, he says, ‘If the lower layer turns blue it means detergent is present. However, if the lower layer remains pink the test shows that the sample is pure.’

Dr Rajan Sharma of the NDRI’s Dairy Chemistry Division, and one of the inventors of the new test, says, ‘The method does not require the use of any instrument and takes about 400 microlitres of milk per test. It is sensitive enough to detect even 2 litres of synthetic milk added to 100 litres of milk.’

Dr Srivastava says that the technology behind the test has been acquired by Mother Dairy, who is set to introduce the test to the market in the form of a kit. Dr Rajan tells us that, once dairies start using this test, consumers can begin to expect a higher standard of milk.