Milk is a part of our daily diet. We drink it plain, use it in chai, or make milkshakes with it. It has numerous uses. But is the packaged milk we usually buy safe to consume? After top dairy brands failed quality tests conducted by Trustified, many people are now asking this question. The test revealed that some milk pouches contained coliform, a type of bacteria. Here’s how this bacteria can be harmful if present in high levels.
Amul, Mother Dairy & Country Delight Under Scanner
A recent investigation by Trustified revealed that milk samples from India’s most trusted dairy brands, Amul, Mother Dairy, and Country Delight, failed to meet quality parameters. The milk samples were tested for Total Plate Count (TPC) and coliform bacteria. These factors are important because they indicate whether milk is free from disease-causing bacteria.
You should know that the presence of coliform is not always harmful. However, according to The Economic Times, tests showed that some milk pouches had coliform levels up to 98 times higher than FSSAI’s prescribed limits. Several milk pouches also showed TPC levels far above safe thresholds.
Also Read: Newly Vegan? Try These 5 Plant-Based Milk Alternatives For Your Morning Coffee
What Is Coliform Bacteria?
After the investigation, all these dairy brands are now under the scanner. But let’s understand what coliform bacteria actually are. According to ScienceDirect, coliform bacteria are rod-shaped, gram-negative, non-spore-forming bacteria that can be motile or non-motile. They ferment sugar and produce acid and gas when incubated at 35-37°C.
This bacterium does not usually cause serious illness. But high levels of coliforms can lead to problems like fever, gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and headache. If consumed in large amounts, it can be dangerous for people with weak immune systems, especially children and the elderly. This is why these brands are now under scrutiny.
According to CNBC TV18, experts say there are a few non-negotiables. If you buy pouch milk, you should boil it immediately and not rely on pasteurisation alone. At present, UHT or tetra-pack milk is considered a safer option than pouch milk.
Which brand of milk do you use at home daily?
Cover Image Courtesy: @amitbehalll/X and Canva Pro/ Boarding1Now
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