Milk quality concerns spark fresh food safety debate

A recent investigation by Trustified, an independent laboratory testing platform, has triggered debate over the microbiological quality of milk and dairy products sold by some of India’s most recognised brands.

According to the report, milk samples from brands including Amul, Mother Dairy and Country Delight were tested for Total Plate Count (TPC) and coliform bacteria — key indicators used to assess hygiene and microbial load.

What the findings claim

Trustified stated that certain samples exceeded the microbiological limits prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

The report claimed that Mother Dairy cow milk recorded a TPC of 2,40,000 CFU/ml against the prescribed limit of 30,000 CFU/ml. Country Delight cow milk reportedly showed 60,000 CFU/ml, double the stated safety threshold.

In the case of Amul Taaza and Amul Gold, the report alleged elevated coliform counts. Coliform bacteria are commonly used as indicators of sanitary quality; while not necessarily harmful themselves, higher levels may suggest lapses in hygiene during processing or handling.

Curd and egg products also flagged

Trustified further reported high coliform levels in certain curd samples and claimed traces of AOZ — a banned antibiotic residue — in eggs from Eggoz Nutrition India in an earlier test.

However, Amul has publicly refuted the claims, stating that its products comply with FSSAI standards. As of now, FSSAI has not issued an official response regarding the specific findings.

Why it matters

Milk, curd and eggs are staple items in Indian households, consumed daily by children, adults and the elderly. Any questions regarding their quality naturally raise wider concerns about food safety oversight, testing transparency and regulatory accountability.

Experts note that independent lab findings should be verified through regulatory review before drawing conclusions. Consumers are advised to follow official updates from FSSAI and respective companies.

The episode underscores the importance of rigorous quality checks, transparent reporting and proactive regulatory communication to maintain public trust in essential food products.