Compositional analysis of market milk in Thimphu & Paro districts

Abstract

Milk available in the market is not subject to systematic regulations or monitoring for control of quality. The compositional quality of milk is not maintained due to lack of regulations leading to adulteration of milk and supply of poor-quality milk to consumers. The study on compositional quality of milk available in the market of Thimphu and Paro revealed deviation and variation in all milk components from expected constituents as well as consistent adulteration with water. Milk available in the market of Thimphu and Paro is found to be of poor quality with unfair trade practices and deception of consumers through sale of inferior quality milk. Besides, the study also found that the Lactoscan MCCW has a higher precision than Portable milk analyzer for detecting added water in milk as adulterant. The Centre will continue to undertake studies on milk composition throughout the country and will also undertake to identify the source of adulteration (producers – middlemen – retail outlets) for corrective action to be taken for improving the quality of milk and formulation of standards for milk.