LAHORE: Milk adulteration remains a significant issue in Pakistan, which produces approximately 60 billion litres of milk annually, ranking it among the largest milk producers globally. However, only about 3-5 per cent of the total milk production is processed for marketing.
Unprocessed milk is often adulterated to increase its volume. Since its shelf life is only a few hours after milking, most unprocessed milk is preserved using chemicals that are highly injurious to health. Common unethical preservatives include formaldehyde and penicillin. Formaldehyde can cause gastrointestinal issues, respiratory problems and liver and kidney damage. Long-term exposure has been linked to cancer.
Penicillin residues can trigger allergic reactions and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Continuous exposure reduces the efficacy of antibiotics in medical treatments. To combat this, stringent regulations must be enforced to prohibit the use of harmful preservatives, accompanied by regular inspections and farmer education to promote safe practices.
A particularly harmful practice is the use of the growth hormone recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST), injected into milking animals to boost milk production by enhancing the cow’s metabolic efficiency. Growth hormones can indirectly increase insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels in milk, with excessive IGF-1 linked to early puberty in girls, hormonal imbalances, and long-term risks such as cancer. Hormones can increase mastitis in cows, necessitating more antibiotics. Residual antibiotics in milk can promote resistance in humans.
Milk is nutritionally rich, offering a balanced combination of proteins, fats and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a near-complete food vital for growth and development, especially in infants. Adulteration of milk undermines the health of infants and the elderly, imposing a significant public health burden.
According to the Poultry Association of Pakistan, up to 15 per cent of milk is wasted due to inefficiencies in the supply chain, such as inadequate storage, transportation and processing infrastructure. The Pakistan Business Council (PBC) estimates this wastage equals about nine billion litres annually, resulting in economic losses of over Rs100 billion. These losses are especially concerning given the dairy sector’s vital contribution to Pakistan’s agricultural GDP and its potential role in addressing malnutrition and food insecurity.
Almost 90 per cent of processed milk in Pakistan is UHT-treated and supplied in Tetra Pak containers. This type of milk has a shelf life of six months or more, but it is expensive due to processing and packaging costs, and its taste is altered by UHT treatment. Only 10 per cent of processed milk is pasteurised, typically supplied in more economical packaging such as pouches or bottles. Pasteurised milk has a fresher taste but a shorter shelf life of 2-3 days and requires refrigeration throughout the supply chain.
For daily consumption in Pakistan, pasteurised milk in economical packaging, such as plastic pouches, would be a more cost-effective option while ensuring safety. However, this requires robust cold chain infrastructure to maintain quality.
Developed countries have largely eliminated milk adulteration through stringent regulatory frameworks, technological advancements, and public awareness campaigns. Regulatory agencies like the FDA in the US and EFSA in Europe enforce strict standards for milk production, testing and distribution.
