very year, World Milk Day serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of prioritising health through dairy consumption on a global scale. It is a time not only to appreciate the nourishing qualities of milk but also to address pressing issues surrounding its consumption. As we observe this day, it’s crucial to shine a spotlight on a significant concern gripping Pakistan: the widespread reliance on loose milk, posing grave risks to public health.

While milk is widely regarded as a nutritious food, the view that packaged milk is prohibitively expensive has led many to opt for loose milk.

As a cornerstone of nutrition, milk is revered for its richness in essential nutrients. However, in Pakistan, many believe that packaged milk is an expensive luxury. However, upon close examination, this notion crumbles. A simple survey reveals that the cost of loose milk generally ranges between Rs 200 and 220 per litre. Meanwhile, various milk brands available in UHT packaging are priced in the Rs 250-350 per litre range. Despite this marginal price gap, a staggering 95 per cent of the Pakistani population continues to rely on loose milk, as per a nationwide survey on milk quality and safety conducted by the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences. This is largely due to the entrenched perception regarding affordability.

While loose milk may seem economically advantageous in the short term, its long-term health repercussions far outweigh the nominal savings. The consequences of prioritising cost over safety are dire.

The survey conducted by the UVAS painted a grim picture of the quality and safety of loose milk in Pakistan. Shockingly, 92 per cent of the tested samples fell short of established quality standards. 54 per cent were found unfit for human consumption. These alarming findings underscore the urgent need for an intervention to mitigate the rampant health hazards associated with loose milk. Despite being the fourth largest milk-producing country globally, 95 per cent of milk consumed in Pakistan is sourced through informal, unregulated channels, primarily through middlemen or “milkmen.”

As more than 80 per cent of milk production takes place in rural areas, families rely heavily on milk as a readily available food source. Paradoxically, despite this reliance, the latest National Nutrition Survey 2018 reveals that most cases of severe malnutrition occur in rural areas. This stark reality highlights the disconnect between milk production and nutritional outcomes, underscoring the need for improved access to safe and nutritious dairy products.

From unhygienic milking practices to inadequate storage and transportation facilities, loose milk is highly susceptible to microbial contamination and the presence of harmful residues, including antibiotics, pesticides, mycotoxins and heavy metals that pose significant health risks to consumers.

The prevalence of loose milk in Pakistan can be attributed to a non-regulated supply chain, characterised by informal multi-layered distribution systems. The traditional supply chain for loose milk is marred by inefficiencies and hygiene lapses, resulting in compromised milk quality and serious food safety issues. Loose milk is highly perishable and prone to microbial contamination, making it a breeding ground for foodborne pathogens. From unhygienic milking practices to inadequate storage and transportation facilities, loose milk is highly susceptible to microbial contamination and the presence of harmful residues, including antibiotics, pesticides, mycotoxins and heavy metals that pose significant health risks to consumers.

The journey of loose milk from production to consumption further exacerbates these risks. Some dairy farms often employ questionable practices, including the use of hormones and drugs to boost productivity. Subsequent handling and distribution processes contribute to further contamination, with open storage and improper transportation allowing bacteria to proliferate.

By the time loose milk reaches consumers through street vendors or retailers, it is often diluted with water and adulterated with starch, flour, urea, vegetable oil and hydrogen peroxide to preserve its appearance. These additives not only compromise the nutritional value of milk but also pose significant health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as children under five years of age.

Contrary to popular belief, there are safe alternatives available in the market, such as milk packed in ultra-high temperature treated packaging, which undergoes rigorous treatment to eliminate harmful microorganisms while preserving essential nutrients. By choosing packaged milk over loose alternatives, consumers can safeguard their health and mitigate the risks associated with microbial contamination and adulteration.

This World Milk Day, let us prioritise our well-being by making informed choices about the dairy we consume. Let us raise awareness about the dangers of loose milk and advocate for safer alternatives. It is time to dispel the myth that packaged milk is unaffordable and recognise the true cost of compromising on safety. Regulatory authorities must intervene to enforce quality standards in the dairy sector. Mass awareness campaigns are essential to empower consumers with the knowledge to make healthier food choices. As we celebrate the goodness of milk, let us also advocate for safer alternatives and work towards building a healthier future for all.

The writer is a freelance journalist