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Milk, cheese and khoya are more than just ingredients; They are essential components of daily life and are central to Indian celebrations. However, recent raids conducted across the country by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have revealed a shocking truth. Adulteration is rampant. Many dairy products are being contaminated with hazardous substances including detergent powder, urea, starch, synthetic solids and vegetable fats.
While authorities take action, consumers should also protect themselves. Dietitian Deepali Sharma, clinical nutritionist, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, says it is important to learn to identify authentic products to make safe purchasing decisions.
Health risks of adulteration
Sharma says that adulteration is always done keeping profit in mind. Nevertheless, it has health implications that far outweigh any potential benefits. Health effects related to consumption of such milk include immediate health complications in the form of stomach ailments, hormonal disruption and subsequent damage to the kidneys and liver. “Since paneer and khoya are concentrated forms of milk, any health-hazardous components present in milk become more concentrated in paneer and khoya.”
Adulterated ingredients are usually added to milk, cheese and khoya.
It is important to know what to look for. Milk is often diluted with water or detergent to create artificial foam. Urea may be added to denature the protein level, while starch and glucose act as thickening agents. In paneer or khoya, manufacturers may add starch, vegetable fat, or even chalk powder to improve the appearance or weight.
Easy home test for purity of milk
It’s easy to test the quality of your milk at home. Just follow these simple steps:
, Water Test: Place a drop of milk on an inclined, polished surface. Undiluted milk drips slowly, leaving a white mark. Thin milk drips quickly, leaving no trace.
, Boiling Test: Watch the boiling of milk very carefully. The presence of pure milk will result in the formation of a thick layer of cream. Complete absence of cream would indicate adulteration.
, Detergent Test: Mix some milk in a bottle. If it foams thickly and consistently, it may contain detergent.
, Starch Test: Add a few drops of iodine solution in boiled cold milk. If the milk turns blue, starch has been added.
How to identify pure cheese?
Fake cheese can be difficult to spot, but these methods help:
, Hot Water Test: Soak the paneer in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Pure paneer will remain thick. If the water turns milky or you see oil rising to the top, it may contain artificial fat.
• Texture test: “Real” cheese should have a soft texture, slightly crumbly texture, and a fresh smell. If it has a “bounce” of rubber, it may contain dairy-free ingredients.
, Iodine Test: Like milk, add iodine to mashed cheese samples. Blue color indicates the presence of starch.
Khoya test at home:
Khoya is a festive food, but it is often high in starch or cheap fat:
, Palm Rub Test: Rub a small piece of khoya in your palm. The heat from your body should make it soft and oily. Its smell should be like fresh milk. If it feels waxy or greasy, it probably contains additives.
, The Burn Test: Pure khoya should melt when heated. If it leaks excessive oil, it has been mixed with other ingredients.
how to protect yourself
The most reliable defense mechanism would be to buy products from reputed brands that have FSSAI license. Be wary of products that appear to be “too good” and take care to consume fresh dairy products, especially during the festive season, as demand for khoya is at an all-time high.
big picture
FSSAI’s action highlights the need for collective action on food safety. Strict policing coupled with alert consumers can help eliminate the menace of adulteration.
By doing these simple tests at home, you can help protect your family and support food integrity in the country.
- Nivedita Is a freelance writer who writes on society, culture, travel, health and entertainment.
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