Preventing adulteration of milk

Recently, the High Court demonstrated concern about food adulteration, especially in milk. Investigations conducted by Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) have detected the presence of harmful metal such as lead in milk. The presence of lead in blood, even by a slight amount, is said to cause behavioural problems. It is also associated with all kinds of fatal health risks.

Milk is an ideal source of nourishment for babies, women and the elderly. Unfortunately, most well-known local companies—producing both pasteurised and unpasteurised milk—have been involved in such unethical practices. And so, the court’s directive that no drug store can sell antibiotics for cattle sans prescription from veterinary doctors is indeed a good sign. Additionally, the court directed BFSA to present a report on the actions the latter will take against the contamination of milk.

As for companies producing and selling adulterated milk, it seems that profit maximisation trumps anything else. Regardless, a proper solution has been suggested by the HC: companies should make it their corporate social responsibility to conduct lab tests on milk and milk products. This should be made mandatory and companies must prioritise the wellbeing of their consumers.