Minister for Law and Animal Husbandry T B Jayachandra said on Monday that a stringent law will soon be formulated to check the sale of adulterated milk.
Speaking on the sidelines of the World Heart Day event, organised by the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) and Tetra Pack Private India Limited, Jayachandra said: “A majority of private companies that indulge in adulteration are located in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh areas, bordering Karnataka. They lace harmful chemicals such as urea to increase the fat content in milk.”
He added that a discussion in this regard has been held with the authorities concerned. Expressing disappointment over the poor presence of doctors in villages, the minister said that one of the main reasons why doctors from Bangalore hesitate to serve in rural areas is the lack of facilities.
“Last year, 500 doctors were appointed to visit rural set-ups but only 220 were willing to go. Some postgraduate doctors are ready to even shell out Rs 10 lakh as fine for not completing their compulsory rural service. The fine will be increased to Rs 50 lakh soon.”
Fortified milk
The Karnataka Milk Federation managing director A S Premanath said that fortified milk will be introduced by January 2015.
The milk will be fortified with Iron and Vitamin B12 to benefit pregnant and lactating women in the State.
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