(a) whether the Government are aware about the selling of synthetic milk in Delhi by the milk traders of neighbouring States unabatedly and also marketing of adulterated milk by certain known brands of milk suppliers/producers; and
(b) if so, the action taken by the Government to identify the shortcoming in the measures, if any, to check such malpractices and to strengthen the measures to check the marketing of adulterated milk in Delhi?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (PROF. RITA VERMA)
(a): There is no food product known as synthetic milk. The term `synthetic milk` is a misnomer, for a concoction of vegetable fat and chemicals. As per the information made available by the Government of Delhi, none of the samples of milk was found adulterated with cheap vegetable oil, or chemicals like caustic soda, detergent, mineral oil, neutralizer etc.
(b): The Government of Delhi have been very vigilant to tackle the problem of adulterated milk. Milk sold in Delhi comes primarily from the neighbouring states. They have informed that, the enforcement machinery has been geared up and coordinated efforts with local police have been made to take samples of such milk and milk products not only from the entry points to Delhi from the adjoining states but also from all over Delhi where milk is being sold. Delhi has been divided into 9 districts headed by a Deputy Commissioner. Each district is further divided into 3 Sub-Divisions which is headed by SDM. The work of lifting of samples and further investigation for prosecution etc. is now conducted under the supervision of a SDM who has been notified as LHA under the PFA Act/Rules.