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The most recent reports from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) have brought serious attention to the food safety concerns when 16 people reportedly died in East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, after having adulterated milk. Taking suo motu cognisance, the Commission has filed notices against state authorities, seeking a thorough report on the incident, including health impacts, investigation, and compensation to the families of the deceased.
The reported symptoms, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, anuria, and acute renal dysfunction, emphasise how risky adulterated milk can be, particularly for children and for the elderly. While investigations are continuing, the incident reminds that milk, which is a daily staple, is also one of the most commonly adulterated foods that can be consumed unnoticed. Knowing how to check the purity of milk at home can be a small but significant step in protecting your family.
How To Test The Purity Of Milk At Home
While these home tests cannot replace the extensive laboratory analysis, they still offer a practical way to stay alert. In the wake of incidents like these, being a little more conscious can go a long way in keeping yourself safe and healthy.
The Water Test
One of the easiest ways to check the purity of milk is by observing how it acts on a surface. Take a little amount of milk on the spoon and place it on a clean plate and a tilted plate. Pure milk will flow slowly, leaving behind a white trail as it rolls, whereas impure milk that is mixed with water and other harmful ingredients will flow quickly without leaving behind much remains. This happens because pure milk has a thick consistency as it has natural fat and solid content. Although it is not a foolproof test, it gives a quick first check that you can do daily.
(Image credit: Freepik)
The Boiling Test
Boiling milk can show hidden signs of impurity. When you heat milk, if it is pure, it will form a thick layer of cream or malai on the top, once it is cooled. But if the milk is diluted or meddled with, this layer will either be very thin or will not form at all properly. Further, pure milk does not curdle very easily unless it’s spoiled, whereas if the milk is adulterated, it may curdle often. You can easily recognise this while heating milk, making it easier to spot inconsistencies in texture and behaviour.
The Foam Test
Take a small quantity of milk and shake it in a bottle or jar, and observe the foam. If the milk is pure, it forms a layer of foam that lasts for a while due to its protein and fat content. If the foam fades quickly or appears unusually soapy, it could mean the presence of detergents that are used sometimes to imitate the frothy appearance of milk. This test is particularly useful because detergent contamination can be dangerous and is not visible otherwise. It’s a quick way to find something that does not belong in your glass.
(Image credit: Freepik)
The Starch Test
Starch is sometimes added to milk so that it appears thicker. To check if there is any, boil a small amount of milk and let it cool down. Then add a few drops of iodine solution, which is commonly available as tincture of iodine. If the milk turns blue, it means the presence of starch. Pure milk does not change the colour. This method is widely used because it shows a clear visual effect and helps in identifying a distinct type of adulteration that is otherwise difficult to detect just by taste or texture alone.
The Smell And Taste Check
Sometimes, all you can do is trust your senses. Pure milk has a soft, slightly sweet smell and a clean taste. If you see a chemical-like smell, bitterness, or a soapy aftertaste, it can mean that the milk is contaminated. While this method relies on your senses, it becomes more useful with familiarity. Over time, those who consume milk regularly apart from tea or coffee can easily spot when something feels off. It is particularly useful as an everyday habit before boiling or consuming milk, which will help you catch clear signs early.
The Oil Drop Test
Synthetic or extremely adulterated milk often lacks the natural fat balance that pure milk has. To try this, just rub a drop of milk between your fingers. Pure milk will feel smooth and a bit oily as it has fat content, whereas synthetic milk will feel soapy and too slippery. In some circumstances, it may also leave an unusual residue. This test is specifically useful in determining artificially formulated milk, which can be harmful if consumed on a daily basis. It is a simple check that doesn’t require any equipment.
