Tanker lorry caught during inspection | Photo: Mathrubhumi
Kollam: In a setback for the Department of Dairy Development, a lab test by the food safety department has failed to trace the presence of hydrogen peroxide in the milk seized from a tanker lorry in Aryankavu, Kollam.
The milk, allegedly mixed with hydrogen peroxide, was seized amid an inspection around 5.20 am on Wednesday. Following which, a test was conducted by the dairy department, which found traces of the chemical in the milk.
Reportedly, the presence of hydrogen peroxide can be traced only if it is tested within six hours.
However, a report from the chief analytical laboratory confirming the same is required for the findings to remain legal.
Meanwhile, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development J Chinchurani told mediapersons that the health department was informed of the initial test reports.
“Food safety officials have collected milk samples and sent them for testing in Thiruvananthapuram. The dairy department does not have the authority to take decision or award punishment. It is up to the food safety to take action,” said the minister.
“The presence of chemicals was detected by the dairy department in the third test. We only have the responsibility to hand it over to the food safety department and it has been done,” she added.