A recent investigation by independent testing platform Trustified has raised concerns about the microbiological quality of milk sold by some of India’s most widely consumed brands — Amul, Mother Dairy and Country Delight — triggering fresh debate on food safety standards and regulatory oversight.
According to the findings released by Trustified, milk samples were tested for Total Plate Count (TPC) and coliform bacteria, two key indicators used to assess microbial quality and hygiene standards in dairy products.
What the Tests Found
- Mother Dairy cow milk reportedly recorded a TPC of 2,40,000 CFU/ml, nearly eight times higher than the FSSAI limit of 30,000 CFU/ml.
- Country Delight cow milk showed a TPC of 60,000 CFU/ml, about double the prescribed safety limit.
- Amul Taaza reportedly had 980 CFU/ml of coliform bacteria, while Amul Gold showed 25 CFU/ml, both stated to be above recommended limits.
In a separate test conducted earlier this year, Trustified claimed that Amul Masti Dahi showed significantly elevated levels of coliform bacteria, yeast and mould.
Additionally, eggs sold by Eggoz Nutrition India were reported to contain traces of AOZ (3-amino-2-oxazolidinone) — a banned veterinary drug residue linked to potential long-term health risks.
Company Responses and Regulatory Position
Amul has refuted the allegations, stating that its products comply with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) norms. As of now, there has been no official public statement from FSSAI regarding the specific findings cited in the report.
The absence of a regulatory clarification has intensified public discussion, especially since these brands are not niche or premium products but are widely available across supermarkets and neighbourhood stores nationwide.
How Safe Is the Milk We Consume?
From a technical standpoint, it is important to understand:
- TPC (Total Plate Count) measures overall bacterial load. A higher count may indicate lapses in hygiene, storage, transportation, or cold chain management.
- Coliform bacteria are indicators of contamination. While not all coliforms are harmful, elevated levels can signal potential presence of disease-causing organisms.
- However, microbial counts can vary based on sampling conditions, storage after purchase, and testing methodology.
Food safety experts often caution that independent test results should be verified through accredited laboratories and official regulatory channels before drawing conclusions.
The Bigger Issue: Trust and Accountability
Milk, curd and eggs are daily essentials — not luxury items. Brands like Amul (established in 1948), Mother Dairy (1974) and newer entrants like Country Delight have built strong consumer trust over decades or years.
Read More: Sudha and Vita Dairy Chairmen Nominated as NDDB Directors
When reports question their quality, it shakes public confidence and raises larger questions:
- Are cold chains consistently maintained?
- Are random batch tests being conducted regularly?
- How quickly do regulators respond to such claims?
- Is there enough transparency in food safety audits?
What Consumers Can Do
Until official clarity emerges, consumers can:
- Check packaging for proper sealing and expiry dates.
- Store milk below 4°C immediately after purchase.
- Boil milk properly before consumption (for pasteurized pouch milk).
- Report suspected quality issues to local food safety authorities.
The Way Forward
India is the world’s largest milk producer, and its dairy sector supports millions of farmers. Protecting consumer trust is critical — not just for public health but for the entire dairy value chain.
If the findings are validated, corrective action will be essential. If they are inaccurate, transparent clarification is equally important.
Either way, one thing is clear: food safety cannot be negotiable — especially when it comes to products consumed daily by millions of households.
Join Our “Dairy & Food Jobs Updates” WhatsApp group
Follow the Agri Jobs Updates channel on WhatsApp:
Disclaimer
I do my best to share reliable and well-researched insights but occasional errors or omissions may slip through. Please view all content as informational.
Stay informed on all the latest news updates
All Agriculture Books Free Download
All Dairy Technology Books Free Download
All Agricultural Engineering Books Free download
All Horticulture Books Free Download
All Fisheries Science Books Free Download
For Daily Update follow us at:
Facebook Telegram Whatsapp Instagram YouTube
The contents are provided free for noncommercial purpose such as teaching, training, research, extension and self learning.
If you are facing any Problem than fill form Contact Us
If you want share any article related Agriculture with us than send at info@agrimoon.com with your contact detail.
