Screening of Adulterants in milk samples of Amaravathi region in Andhra Pradesh

Milk adulteration is common in developing countries and that has direct influence on the quality characteristics of milk. In the present study 50 milk samples were collected from different intermediaries; milk producers, milk collectors, middlemen, processors and dairy shops from Amaravathi region of Andhrapradesh to observe the presence of various adulterants. The colour of milk observed was white in appearance (86%) to yellow (14%). The pH of milk samples ranged from 6.7 to 6.9. Fifteen milk samples were of very poor quality, 20 samples were of fair quality, 10 were good and rest only 02 samples were of very good quality. The adulterants analysed were skim milk powder (02%), salt (40%), sugar (68%), formalin(44%), ammonium sulphate(36%), soap (2%), benzoic acid (16%). This qualitative analysis which has unfolded proved that the milk procured did not conform to the legal standards and was adulterated with toxic chemicals which are injurious to health.