White Poison: The Adulterated milk
सफ़ेद दूध का कला सच। | Adulterated milk | Melamine mixed milk |
The
practice of duplicating milk is not new and it has existed for decades. A few
years ago, a significant number of counterfeit milk products were identified in
the markets, which prompted authorities to take action to curb this dangerous
practice. Counterfeit milk is a type of milk that is either adulterated or
mixed with other ingredients that harm human health. Duplicate milk has become
a booming business, primarily in developing countries, where it is a cheaper
alternative to real milk.
The
process of duplicating milk is quite simple. Additives such as starch, urea,
and skim milk powder are mixed with water to create an emulsion that closely
resembles real milk. These additives are often toxic and have serious health
implications. For example, urea is a known toxin that is used widely in
industrial processes. When consumed, it can lead to severe liver and kidney
disorders. Starch, another common additive is not easily digested by the human
body and can cause digestive issues such as bloating (Swelling) and
constipation. Skim milk powder is also a common additive and it has been shown
to cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Melamine
is the main ingredient for making duplicate milk. Melamine is not a natural
constituent of milk and thus its presence in milk products indicates either
adulteration or contamination. Because melamine contains a high amount of Calcium
and protein once it dissolves in water nobody can rectify the duplicate milk
and the real milk need a specific machine and testing method to identify the
presence of it.
Chemical structure of Melamine |
The
impact of duplicate milk on society is deep (profound) and it spans across
various sectors. One of the most affected sectors is the dairy industry itself.
The sale and consumption of duplicate milk products can lead to a decrease in
demand for real milk. This reduction in demand can have a significant impact on
the livelihoods of small dairy farmers, who rely on the sale of real milk to
sustain their businesses. Furthermore, the dairy industry contributes
considerably to the economies of many countries. The existence of duplicate
milk can lead to a decline in the industry's production and in turn, negatively
affect the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Another significant impact of duplicate milk is on vulnerable individuals and society at large. Duplicate milk is often marketed to the poor and underprivileged sections of society who cannot afford to buy real milk. These individuals are susceptible to the dangers of consuming duplicate milk and they are often the ones who suffer the most negative consequences. Children, pregnant women and the elderly are some of the most vulnerable groups who are likely to consume duplicate milk products. These individuals are at high risk of malnourishment and critical health issues, which can have long-term effects on their well-being.
To combat the rise of duplicate milk, various measures have been put in place by governments and other stakeholders. One of the most effective measures is the regulation of the dairy sector. Governments can implement strict laws and regulations that ensure that milk is produced and sold using recognized standards. Additionally, government agencies should monitor and enforce these regulations with regular checks and testing to ensure that dairy products meet the standards set. The implementation of such regulations can help reduce the prevalence of duplicate milk products in the market.
Chemicals used in milk duplication |
The
use of technology can also play a critical role in detecting and combating
duplicate milk products. Technology such as spectroscopy can
identify the unique chemical composition of real milk. This technology can help
identify and distinguish between real and fake milk products. Furthermore, the
use of blockchain technology can help create verified supply chains that ensure
that milk products are sourced and distributed using recognized standards. Such
verified supply chains can increase consumer confidence in the products they
consume and in turn, reduce the prevalence of duplicate milk.
In
conclusion, duplicate milk is a significant concern for various sectors,
including the dairy industry, public health authorities, and the broader
society. The impact of duplicate milk can lead to serious health issues, affect
the livelihoods of small dairy farmers and negatively affect the economies of
countries. It is critical that stakeholders take appropriate measures such as
regulation of the sector, use of technology and public education to combat this
growing issue. With sustained efforts, it is possible to eliminate the scourge
of duplicate milk and ensure that milk remains a safe, nutritious and readily
available source of food for all.