All milk samples collected from Karachi were declared unfit for human consumption, the Sindh High Court (SHC) was told on Tuesday.

 

According to a report submitted by the City commissioner, the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) tested samples and found formalin in 22 of them and phosphate in eight, proving widespread adulteration across the supply chain. 

 

The hygiene and safety practices of farmers, wholesalers and retailers pose a direct risk to public health, the report said as the court was also informed that the milk retailers association had itself requested citywide quality checks.

 

The commissioner said that there was no justification for any increase in milk prices, adding that winters usually brought a lower demand for milk-based products, which makes a hike even more unreasonable. 

 

It merits a mention that a government notification issued on November 27 fixed the retail price of milk at Rs220 per litre and directed all associations to follow the rate, ensure proper measurement and comply with new hygiene and safety SOPs.

 

Earlier this year, the SHC had instructed the commissioner to consult all stakeholders and set the price of milk according to the law.