Chandigarh
20 August 2024
DIVYA AZAD
Progressive Dairy Farmers Association (PDFA) today brought out that reports being circulated on social media regarding adulteration in milk adversely affecting the health of the public in the country is false and contrary to facts.
In a press conference, Daljit Singh, President, PDFA, said purity of milk is important and the government must check adulteration to ensure people get pure milk. He also added that wrong information is being spread about milk production.
Singh while elaborating on the milk production figures, said it is being stated that Punjab produces 16 lakh litres of milk but 3 crore litres of milk is produced daily during the peak season in winters, of which 75 lakh litres goes to the organised sector and another 75 lakh litres goes to the unorganised sector. The remaining 1.5 crore litres is consumed by households.
During the lean season in summers the milk production reduces to half, he said. Singh added, the milk production of cows has increased three times in the last 15 years.
The PDFA president categorically came down heavily on how milk production figures are being fudged on social media by inviting so-called experts who had no knowledge about the ground reality. “I appeal to all those who have spread rumours about the quality of milk and its production should bring clarity by bringing out facts, otherwise PDFA will resort to legal courses against such content.”
Singh said it was a conspiracy to target the milk producers by spreading scare amongst the general public. He said milk which is considered as a nutritious food of our life is being projected as if its harmful.
“In the entire Punjab, people are getting the best quality milk which meets European quality standards by reputed companies selling milk in the state. We however appeal to the government to check the sale of adulterated paneer being sold in the open market without following quality standards”, said Daljit Singh, further requesting the general public to buy packed branded paneer.
He added there is no check on adulterated paneer and manufacturers of substandard paneer are operating in connivance with the department officials.
The central government had some time back informed that this matter has already been examined in the Department in consultation with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). WHO country office in India confirmed to FSSAI that no advisory regarding adulteration of milk has been issued by WHO to the Government of India ever.
