- By Akansha Pandey
- Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:47 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Milk is a fundamental part of our daily lives, trusted by families for generations. But what happens when that trust is questioned? A recent independent laboratory investigation has sparked a massive debate across social media regarding the safety of our daily dairy products.
The Controversy: High Coliform Levels In Popular Brands
An independent testing program by Trustified has released alarming reports alleging that several leading milk brands contain high levels of Coliform bacteria. The report claims that some samples showed contamination levels up to 98 times higher than the permissible limits set by the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India). Major brands, including Amul, have been named in the investigation.
While the companies have strongly refuted these claims, they suggested that any potential issues might stem from disruptions in the transportation and supply chain rather than the manufacturing process. The FSSAI has reportedly intensified its surveillance to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Understanding Coliform Bacteria
To understand the risk, one must first know what Coliform is. Coliform bacteria are a group of rod-shaped organisms, including E coli, commonly found in the environment (soil and water) and the intestines of humans and animals.
Health Risks: While many strains are harmless, some can cause serious infections in the gastrointestinal or urinary tracts. According to the Cleveland Clinic, certain strains can lead to symptoms like watery diarrhea, vomiting and fever.
Source Of Contamination: In the dairy industry, Coliform often enters the milk due to poor hygiene during milking—such as unwashed hands, dirty udders or contaminated containers. Because these bacteria are found in cow dung, even minor lapses in cleanliness can compromise the milk.
Is Boiled Pouch Milk Safe?
A common question among consumers is whether boiling packet milk makes it safe. Experts suggest that while pasteurisation kills most harmful pathogens, it does not completely sterilise the milk. If the "cold chain" is broken during transport or storage, residual bacteria can multiply rapidly.
UHT Vs. Pouch Milk: Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) milk, usually sold in tetra packs, is heated to over 135°C and sealed in sterile packaging. These products consistently pass safety tests because they are fully sterilised.
Open Vs. Packaged: Raw or "open" milk carries a much higher microbial risk (Salmonella, Listeria) than pasteurised pouch milk, as it undergoes no formal safety processing.
How To Check For Adulteration At Home
While home tests are not a substitute for lab analysis, they can help identify common adulterants:
Starch: Add a few drops of iodine to cold, boiled milk. If it turns blue, starch is present.
Detergent: Mix equal parts of milk and water and shake vigorously. A thick, persistent lather indicates detergent.
Water Dilution: Place a drop of milk on a polished, slanting surface. Pure milk stays or flows slowly, leaving a white trail; watered-down milk flows instantly without leaving a mark.