Jaipur: In a strong move to protect public health, the Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation (RCDF) has launched a free testing initiative allowing consumers to verify the purity of dairy products—milk, ghee, and mawa—at their nearest RCDF laboratory.
Consumers who suspect contamination can submit samples and receive test results directly on their mobile phones the same day. The lab currently detects up to 25 types of adulterants including urea, palm oil, starch, and ammonium carbonate. This scope will soon expand to cover 36 types, ensuring greater protection and transparency in the state’s dairy supply.
Vinod Gera, Manager (Public Relations) at RCDF, stated, “Milk from any dairy or ghee from any store can be tested in our labs at no cost. The test report, sent directly to the consumer’s phone, will confirm whether the sample is adulterated and to what extent.”
To initiate testing, consumers must bring a 50 ml sample and provide basic details—name, mobile number, and address. If adulteration is found and the consumer wants to take legal action, a purchase bill or vendor contact details must be provided.
Officials emphasized that advanced machines at RCDF labs are equipped to test a wide array of contaminants. “We check for adulterated fat, acid content, and ammonium carbonate—an additive that falsely boosts fat levels but harms metabolism,” an officer explained.
This initiative marks a major step in consumer empowerment, encouraging vigilance against food fraud while supporting transparency across Rajasthan’s dairy ecosystem.
While the initiative is commendable and reflects a pro-consumer approach, it also highlights a deeper issue—India’s dairy industry has been struggling to earn and maintain customer trust when it comes to milk quality. That authorities now need to invite consumers into labs to prove product purity is a signal that traditional quality assurance methods and brand trust have not been enough. It’s a wake-up call for dairy businesses to invest more in traceability, transparent sourcing, and third-party certifications to rebuild consumer confidence.
🧪 What Will RCDF Labs Test?
| Tested Substance | Purpose / Risk |
|---|---|
| Fat Content | Checked to ensure promised fat content; detects dilution or skimming |
| Melamine | Protein substitute; poses serious health hazards |
| Starch | Thickens milk; harmful to the liver |
| Sucrose | Added for sweetness; may cause digestive issues |
| Urea | Artificially increases fat; damages kidneys and liver |
| Vegetable Oil / Palm Oil | Mimics pure ghee; harmful for health |
🧪 How Can Milk Be Tested at Home?
| Test Type | Method |
|---|---|
| Starch Adulteration Test | Heat 2–3 ml milk and add 2–3 drops of iodine solution. Turns blue if starch is present. |
| Detergent Test | Shake 5 ml of milk in a transparent vial. Soapy lather = adulterated with detergent. |
| Water Adulteration Test | Place a drop on a slanted, polished surface. Quick flow without white trail = diluted with water. |
