The Shocking Truth About Your Glass of Milk - 4 Simple Tests That Will Change Everything!

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently taken to social media to sensitize the public about the presence of adulterants in milk. In a series of educational videos, the FSSAI has outlined four easy tests that consumers can conduct at home to check the purity of the milk they drink. These tests aim to detect the presence of common adulterants that are often added to milk, posing serious health risks to consumers.

As per the FSSAI guidelines, milk is one of the most commonly adulterated foods in India. Adulterants such as urea, starch, and formalin are often added to milk to enhance its shelf life or texture. However, consuming such adulterated milk can lead to severe health problems, including cancer, neurological disorders, and kidney damage. In light of this, it is essential to verify the purity of milk before consumption.

Here are the 4 simple tests to check the authenticity of milk as shared by the FSSAI:

Test 1: Hot Water Test:

Fill a glass with a small amount of milk and add a tablespoon of hot water to it. If the milk instantly forms a coarse or grainy texture, it may contain starch, a common adulterant. On the other hand, if the milk remains smooth and consistent in texture, it is likely pure.

Test 2: Urea Test:

Soak a small quantity of milk in a cotton swab or a strip of filter paper. Place the swab or the filter paper in a test tube or a container filled with a 50% solution of sodium nitroprusside. If a rabbit pink color appears, the milk likely contains urea, an adulterant.

Test 3: Hydrogen Peroxide Test:

Mix a small quantity of hydrogen peroxide with milk. If the mixture turns blue and foams, the milk contains an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide, a common preservative and adulterant.

Test 4: Shine Test:

Examine the surface of the milk for shine or smoothness. Also, notice how it recombines after it is touched with a spoon. If the milk exhibits unusual shine or can be easily recoated with the spoon, it may be tainted with detergents, formalin, or shampoo, another possible adulterant.

It's imperative to incorporate these quick tests in daily life to separate safe milk from suspiciously tampered ones and ensure better health. Moreover, spreading awareness among family and friends could help build a proactive, responsible food consumer community.