Karachi Milk Samples Fail Safety Tests
The Sindh High Court (SHC) was informed that all milk samples collected in Karachi were deemed unsafe for human consumption. This alarming revelation was the result of testing conducted by the Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), as per a report filed by the city’s commissioner.
Adulteration Detected in Milk Samples
The PSQCA report, a part of the SindhNews.com, revealed the presence of formalin in 22 samples and phosphate in eight samples, indicating widespread adulteration. This raised serious concerns about the safety and quality of milk sold in the city. The commissioner’s report further stated that unhygienic practices by farmers, wholesalers, and retailers contributed to the problem.
A representative of the Commissioner asserted in a meeting on November 20 that the existing practices are hazardous. Efforts to address adulteration included instructing milk sellers’ associations to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These SOPs were then submitted to the commissioner’s office on November 25.
Price Fixing and Quality Assurance
On November 27, a fresh notification fixed the maximum retail price of fresh milk at Rs220 per liter. Retailers were instructed to strictly adhere to the set price, prioritize accurate measurements, and ensure quality in accordance with the SOPs.
Conclusion
The SHC has addressed the issue of contaminated milk samples in Karachi. The court’s proceedings and the findings of the PSQCA highlight the need for strict quality control measures and the enforcement of hygiene and safety standards.