JOIN USGreed knows no bounds, even if it involves mixing an essential commodity like milk which is consumed by millions of people, particularly children, across various social strata. In fact, those from the poorer sections of society go out of their way to ensure their children get milk as they may not be in a position to afford more nutrient foodstuff. If the milk is adulterated and the poor child does not get the required nutrition or worse, is poisoned, that is betrayal. Unfortunately, in India, milk adulteration is widespread and the extent of the consequences is difficult to fathom. In this context, the Supreme Court suggestion to the Central Government to jail the guilty for life is a welcome move, a strong enough deterrent that should hopefully reduce instances of adulteration if not eliminate it completely.
Milk has been found to be adulterated with starch, formalin, detergents and hydrogen peroxide among others in tests conducted on milk samples across the country. It is surprising that it needed a court order for the government to wake up and make the punishment stringent. The penalty, as it stands, merely prescribes six months in jail for offenders, a mockery considering the grave nature of the offence. What is shocking is that in studies conducted in Maharashtra some time back, at least 90 dairies were reportedly implicated in milk adulteration. Some of the 90 included top brands that are reputed and trusted by the consumers. The managements of these brands argued that the adulteration could be by distributors down the line. But, this does not absolve them of responsibility. For, when consumers buy milk, that is because of the reputation of the brand and they don’t care who the distributor is. It is incumbent on the milk producers to ensure that the product is foolproof and the quality that leaves the factory premises is the same that reaches the consumer. Systems need to be put in place that make it impossible for anyone in the supply chain to meddle with the product.
Fortunately, the courts have taken a keen interest and come to the rescue of the hapless consumer. Else, given the nature of our laws and the laidback approach of vigilance officials, the damage adulterated milk could cause to the health of millions would be incalculable. With the courts breathing down the neck of the government, a panel has been set up to suggest amendments to the Food Safety and Standards Authority Act to incorporate life imprisonment as the penalty for offenders. Hopefully, this will stem milk adulteration and Indians can look forward to drinking pure milk. .