BFA Crackdown on Adulterated Milk and Yogurt: Multiple Dairy Farms and Shops Inspected, 4 Fined, 1 Milk Shop Sealed

Milk found adulterated with up to 21 percent water, while yogurt was found mixed with skimmed milk powder; 12 packets of Oxytocin injections seized…

Quetta (Qudrat Daily) — The Balochistan Food Authority (BFA) has further intensified its operations to stop the sale of adulterated milk and yogurt. BFA food safety teams, along with the district administration, conducted surprise inspections at multiple dairy farms and milk shops on the Eastern Bypass and Jatak Stop in Quetta. During the operation, several food safety violations were detected, including adulteration of milk and yogurt, resulting in fines on 4 units, the sealing of one milk shop, and the seizure of 12 packets of Oxytocin injections.

The operation was carried out with the cooperation of the district administration, alongside Assistant Commissioner Quetta Sariab Kabir Ahmed Mazar and Special Magistrate Izzatullah. BFA food safety teams and the mobile laboratory team conducted a detailed inspection of a total of 8 dairy units and numerous milk shops and milk suppliers.

During the inspection, two dairy farms were fined for unhygienic sanitation conditions, failure to comply with prescribed standards for milk handling and storage, unavailability of required documents, and the absence of workers’ medical records. The operation also revealed the use of Oxytocin injections on cattle, upon which 12 packets of Oxytocin injections were seized on the spot.

Similarly, dry powder adulteration was found in the yogurt of two milk shops, while the concerned milk sellers also did not possess BFA licenses, for which both were fined. Additionally, one milk shop was found to be selling milk adulterated with 21 percent water and yogurt mixed with skimmed milk. The said milk shop was sealed for food safety violations and for operating without a BFA license.

BFA teams directed dairy farm owners and milk sellers to strictly implement food safety SOPs, also issued 2 improvement notices, and provided necessary guidance regarding food safety requirements.

In this regard, Director General Balochistan Food Authority Habibullah Khan said that no compromise will be made on providing quality, pure, and safe milk and food items to the public. He said that compliance with food safety laws regarding sanitation, quality handling, licensing, and adulteration in dairy farms and milk shops must be ensured. He said that protecting public health is the top priority of BFA, and the series of field operations for the supply of safe food will continue.