Why It Matters

Milk is a staple in every household, but adulteration with water, starch, detergent, urea, or formalin is a growing concern. These substances reduce nutritional value and can cause serious health risks. The good news is that you can perform quick home tests to check milk purity without any lab equipment.

1. Water Test – Detect Dilution

• Pour milk into a transparent glass.
• Hold it against light.
• If it looks thin, watery, or overly transparent, water has likely been added newspointapp.com.

2. Starch Test – Identify Added Starch

• Add a few drops of iodine solution to milk.
• If the color turns blue, starch is present.
• Starch is sometimes added to thicken diluted milk newspointapp.com.

3. Detergent Test – Spot Foamy Texture

• Shake milk vigorously.
• Excess foam or lather indicates detergent adulteration.
• Detergents are harmful and can cause stomach problems Times of India.

4. Heating Test – Check for Synthetic Additives

• Heat a small amount of milk.
• Pure milk leaves a light, greasy layer on the pan.
• Adulterated milk may smell unusual or leave powdery residue Times of India.

5. Urea Test – Detect Harmful Chemicals

• Mix milk with soybean powder and bromothymol blue paper.
• If the paper turns blue, urea is present.
• Urea is dangerous and can damage kidneys India Today.

Risks of Adulterated Milk

• Water dilution reduces nutrition and may carry infections.
• Starch can cause digestive issues.
• Detergent and urea are toxic and harmful to organs.
• Formalin (sometimes used as preservative) is carcinogenic.

Conclusion

Milk adulteration is a serious issue, but simple home tests can help you detect impurities quickly. Always buy milk from trusted sources, and if you suspect adulteration, report it to local food safety authorities.

FAQ Section

How can I check if packet milk is pure?

Use water, starch, detergent, and heating tests at home.

What is the most common adulterant in milk?

Water is the most common adulterant.

Is detergent in milk harmful?

Yes, it can cause stomach and intestinal problems.

Can starch be added to milk?

Yes, starch is added to thicken diluted milk, but it reduces nutrition.

What should I do if I find adulterated milk?

Stop consuming it and report to food safety authorities.