In most Indian homes, a fresh packet of milk delivered to the doorstep is the start of the day routine. It is a common belief that getting the milk from big, well, established brands like Amul, Mother Dairy, or Country Delight means that the milk is safe. However, a recent independent lab investigation by Trustified has revealed a much more concerning—reality regarding what is actually inside those pouches.
BLIND LAB TEST Conducted by TRUSTIFIED
To determine the safety of India’s leading milk, samples were sent for microbiological testing to check for Total Plate Count (TPC) and Coliforms. These tests reveal whether the milk is hygienic and free from disease-causing bacteria.
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The results were divided sharply by packaging type:
- Failed Products ❌ (Pouch Milk) :
- Amul Taaza & Amul Gold: Both failed as Coliforms were detected above the FSSAI-mandated safe limits.
- Mother Dairy Cow Milk: This was the most significant failure, with a Total Plate Count 8 times higher than the safe limit (240,000 CFU/ml vs. the 30,000 limit).
- Country Delight Cow Milk: Despite its “farm-to-home” marketing, it showed TPC levels double the legal safety limit.
- Passed Product ✅ (Tetra Pack):
- Amul Tetra Pack (UHT): This was the only sample that passed perfectly, with zero microorganisms detected.
The RISKS & Does Boiling Helps?
Boiling reduces the number of bacteria, but it does not completely eliminate them. Furthermore, any toxins already produced by bacteria in the milk before boiling are not fully destroyed.
For healthy adults, the risk might be manageable, but for infants, growing children, pregnant women, and the elderly, even a small amount of residual contamination can lead to health issues.
Better Alternatives
If you are concerned about long-term health and safety, the evidence suggests a shift in how we shop for dairy:
- Prioritize Tetra Packs: Especially for vulnerable family members (children and seniors), UHT-treated Tetra Pack milk is the only consistently sterile option.
- The Budget Balance: If the cost of Tetra Packs is too high for daily use, ensure that pouch milk is boiled thoroughly and consumed immediately.
- Awareness: Only 58% to 60% of commercial pasteurized milk in India meets safety standards, meaning the brand name on the pouch isn’t always a shield.
