New Delhi: With milk being a staple in Indian households for its rich nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamins, concerns over adulteration remain high.
Common adulterants such as water, detergent, urea, and starch not only dilute quality but also pose serious health risks, including digestive issues and long-term harm.
A recent report highlights four simple, do-it-yourself tests using everyday items to check milk purity at home, empowering consumers to safeguard their family’s health without fancy equipment.
Flow Test (for water adulteration): Place a drop of milk on a clean, inclined plate or surface. Pure milk flows slowly, leaving a white trail. If it races down quickly without residue, water has likely been added to thin it out.
Dal Test (for urea or chemical adulteration): Mix soybean or arhar dal powder thoroughly into a small amount of milk. Dip red litmus paper into the mixture. If the paper turns blue, it indicates the presence of urea or other alkalis; pure milk keeps the colour unchanged.
Iodine Test (most reliable, for starch): Warm the milk slightly, then add a few drops of iodine tincture (available at pharmacies). Pure milk shows no colour change beyond the tincture’s hue. A blue-black tint signals starch adulteration, used to fake thickness.
Shake Test (for detergent): Pour milk into a bottle and shake vigorously. Excessive, dense foam that lingers suggests detergent added to create artificial creaminess and whiteness. Pure milk produces only a thin foam layer.
Experts urge buying from trusted sources, but these quick checks offer peace of mind. Regular vigilance can help avoid the dangers of adulterated milk and ensure healthier consumption.